METS

1969 Miracle Mets infielder Ed Charles dies at age of 84

Ed Charles, a key member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, died Thursday in New York at the age of 84, the team announced. 

Former Met Ed Charles throws out the first pitch prior to Game 4 of the National League Division Series in 2015.

"Ed Charles, our beloved Glider and Poet Laureate of the 1969 Mets, was one of the kindest and warmest people ever to be a Met. His essays and poems inspired his teammates to the improbable World Series championship," the Mets said in a statement released Thursday.

"With Jackie Robinson as his role model, Ed perpetuated a legacy of making a positive impact on other people’s lives," the team said. "Everyone at the Mets are sending condolences, thoughts and prayers to Ed’s longtime companion Lavonnie Brinkley, his two sons Edwin and Eric, sister Virginia Charles and brother Elder."

The Mets acquired Charles in May of of 1967, and he finished his career with the team, winning the World Series in his final season in 1969. Charles, a third baseman, registered 15 plate appearances in the World Series to help the Miracle Mets upset the Orioles. The infielder hit .249 in his three seasons with the Mets.

At Old-Timers' Day in 1999, Charles reminisced about the 1969 season.

"With the declining of the city and all that was happening then – the Vietnam War – it was a great feeling," said Charles. "It uplifted the city. It was just a wonderful experience all the way around. There are no words to describe it."

In this Oct. 16, 1969 file photo, New York Mets catcher Jerry Grote embraces pitcher Jerry Koosman as the Mets defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth game to win the World Series at New York's Shea Stadium. At left is teammate Ed Charles.

Charles also enjoyed his return trips to Shea Stadium and Citi Field.

"Anytime you put this on, you feel the little boy again," said Charles, tugging at his Mets uniform in 1999. "It just fills my heart up."

Charles, who was born on April 29, 1933, hit .263 and blasted 86 homers in his eight-year career. He also played with the Kansas City Athletics.