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| Bud Harrelson | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bud Harrelson |
| Birth date | 06 June 1944 |
| Birth place | Yuba City, California, United States |
| Occupation | Professional baseball player, coach, manager |
| Years active | 1965–1997 |
| Teams | New York Mets; Philadelphia Phillies; Toronto Blue Jays; New York Yankees |
Bud Harrelson (born June 6, 1944) is an American former professional baseball shortstop, coach, and manager. He played Major League Baseball primarily with the New York Mets and later served as a coach and manager for several Major League Baseball teams. Harrelson is known for his defensive skills, leadership, and involvement in the Mets' 1969 championship.
Born in Yuba City, California, Harrelson attended Marysville High School (Marysville, California) and played amateur baseball in California. He was signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Mets in 1963, joining a farm system that included minor league affiliates such as the Jacksonville Suns, Williamsport Mets, and Greenville Mets. During his early development Harrelson played in the Florida Instructional League and competed against prospects from organizations like the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers in minor league circuits. Scouts from franchises including the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies evaluated him before his promotion to the majors.
Harrelson made his major league debut with the New York Mets in 1965 and became the Mets' primary shortstop through the late 1960s and 1970s. He was the Mets' starting shortstop during the 1969 season when the team surged past the Chicago Cubs in the National League East pennant race and defeated the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series before upsetting the Baltimore Orioles in the 1969 World Series. Harrelson remained a fixture in the Mets infield through seasons that involved contests with clubs such as the St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and Los Angeles Dodgers. After a long tenure with the Mets he had playing stints with the Philadelphia Phillies and finished his playing career with the Texas Rangers organization and appearances against teams like the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Harrelson was widely recognized for his defensive range, throwing accuracy, and ability to turn double plays alongside teammates like Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Cleon Jones, and Ed Kranepool. He won respect for his situational fielding during crucial games versus rivals such as the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves in postseason play. Harrelson's career intersected with managers and figures including Gil Hodges, Yogi Berra, Whitey Herzog, and contemporaries like Pete Rose, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente. Notable achievements include a key role on the 1969 World Series championship team and contributions during seasons that featured matchups with stars such as Johnny Bench, Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, and Don Drysdale.
After retiring as a player Harrelson transitioned to coaching and managing within Major League Baseball and minor league systems. He served as a coach and bench coach with organizations including the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies. As a manager he led the Mets during the 1990s, working with rosters that included players like Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Mookie Wilson, and Darryl Strawberry’s contemporaries. Harrelson's coaching career involved collaboration with executives and coaches such as Frank Cashen, Joe Torre, Davey Johnson, Bobby Valentine, and Terry Collins. He also managed or coached in spring training games and instructional leagues alongside personnel from the Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and Cleveland Indians systems.
Following his on-field career Harrelson engaged in public appearances, alumni events, and charity work connected to organizations like the Major League Baseball Players Association and Mets alumni associations. He participated in ceremonies at venues such as Shea Stadium and Citi Field and was involved in events celebrating Mets history alongside figures like Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, Ron Darling, and Mike Piazza. Harrelson has been recognized at team reunions and Hall of Fame-related events featuring inductees from institutions including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Baseball Writers' Association of America, and regional sports halls. He has also engaged with community programs in New York City and Long Island.
Harrelson's personal life includes residence in Long Island, New York and participation in Mets alumni outreach, media interviews, and fan events. His legacy is tied to the 1969 "Miracle Mets," influence on infield defense in an era dominated by hitters such as Reggie Jackson, Carl Yastrzemski, and Harmon Killebrew, and mentorship of younger players who later linked to franchises like the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Seattle Mariners. Harrelson's career is often referenced in retrospectives covering the 1969 World Series, the evolution of the New York Mets franchise, and broader narratives involving teams such as the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros.
Category:1944 births Category:Major League Baseball shortstops Category:New York Mets players Category:Living people