Bud Harrelson: Miracle Mets World Series shortstop dead at 79

Derrel McKinley “Bud” Harrelson was an American professional baseball shortstop, coach, and manager. He played for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers from 1965 to 1980.

Bud Harrelson: Miracle Mets World Series shortstop dead at 79

Bud Harrelson, the scrappy and sure-handed shortstop who fought Pete Rose on the field during a playoff game and helped the New York Mets win an astonishing championship in 1969, died Wednesday night. He was 79.

Harrelson died at a hospice house in East Northport, New York after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, the Mets said Thursday morning. Harrelson was diagnosed in 2016 and publicly shared his struggle two years later, hoping he and his family could help others afflicted.

Throughout his health ordeal, Harrelson stayed involved with his professional pride and joy. He was part-owner of the Long Island Ducks, an independent minor league team located minutes from his home.

He called his decades of work with the club — which he was instrumental in starting and running — his greatest achievement in baseball.