#53 Bud Harrelson #54 Bud Harrelson In Action

Cast a wispy shadow but was highly combative...especially when provoked....just ask Pete Rose....Prior to Harrelson the NYM shortstop position was an assortment of well past prime veterans or undistinguished cast offs....Harrelson started out in development during the Mets sophomore year  mid-1963.....a great glove man, any hitting above .240 was pure profit in his stock and trade....was able to snatch all star honors twice.....a nadir of power, notoriously so, went over 1000 at bats between home runs....went yard 7 times in over 5,500 plate appearances.....resume reads two cups of coffee 1965 and 66, taking over full time in 1967.... won the gold glove in 1971.....reached a career high of 42 runs batted in 1970, his runner up number was 32 the following year....Injuries periodically interrupted performance....called up to stay in 1966 despite only hitting .221 in AAA that year....play declined 1974 and beyond eventually becoming a bit player with Phillies and then Texas.....Hit well in limited actions during his brief stays....With his longstanding relationship with Mets, returned to coach and manage in both minor and then with the parent club 1990-91....Sadly has been diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease a few years ago.