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Infielder Ron Hunt, the first player in the history of the New York Mets franchise to start an All-Star Game, has died. He was 85.
The New York Postreported in 2019 that Hunt had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. According to longtime Mets public relations director Jay Horwitz, Hunt had been suffering from multiple illnesses.
“(Hunt) did everything to help us win,” former Mets pitcher Jack Fisher told Horwitz. “He was just the ultimate competitor.”
MORE: Former Mets outfielder, reality show contestant, ‘trending toward’ retirement
Hunt played the first four of his 12 MLB seasons with the Mets. He primarily played second base, the position he represented on the National League All-Star teams in 1964 and 1966.
Hunt finished his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1967), San Francisco Giants (1968-70), Montreal Expos (1971-74) and St. Louis Cardinals (1974).
Never a slugger, Hunt hit 10 of his 39 career home runs as a rookie in 1963. He is perhaps best known for being hit by pitches. He led his league in HBPs seven times, including 50 in the 1971 season alone. His 243 career beanings rank sixth all-time.
MORE: Former Dodgers All-Star, who coached Mets in his 80s, dies at 89
“Some folks give their bodies to science,” Hunt once said. “I gave mine to baseball.”
Hunt retired with a career slash line of .273/.368/.347 in 1,483 MLB games.
A native of St. Louis, Hunt originally signed with the Milwaukee Braves out of high school. He spent four seasons in the Braves’ farm system, advancing to Double-A, before a Mets scout signed him to join the first-year franchise.
MORE: Father of Blue Jays pitcher dies while visiting family on team’s road trip
Promoted immediately to the big leagues, Hunt established himself as one of the best players on baseball’s worst team over the next four years.
According to author Bill Sullivan, Hunt returned to his farm in Wentzville, Missouri, opened liquor and sporting goods stores, and did some farming. In 1987, he formed Ron Hunt Eagles Baseball Association for local youth.
Hunt is survived by his wife Jackie, as well as their daughter Tracy and son, Ron Jr.
Continue reading...
The New York Postreported in 2019 that Hunt had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. According to longtime Mets public relations director Jay Horwitz, Hunt had been suffering from multiple illnesses.
“(Hunt) did everything to help us win,” former Mets pitcher Jack Fisher told Horwitz. “He was just the ultimate competitor.”
MORE: Former Mets outfielder, reality show contestant, ‘trending toward’ retirement
Hunt played the first four of his 12 MLB seasons with the Mets. He primarily played second base, the position he represented on the National League All-Star teams in 1964 and 1966.
Hunt finished his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1967), San Francisco Giants (1968-70), Montreal Expos (1971-74) and St. Louis Cardinals (1974).
Never a slugger, Hunt hit 10 of his 39 career home runs as a rookie in 1963. He is perhaps best known for being hit by pitches. He led his league in HBPs seven times, including 50 in the 1971 season alone. His 243 career beanings rank sixth all-time.
MORE: Former Dodgers All-Star, who coached Mets in his 80s, dies at 89
“Some folks give their bodies to science,” Hunt once said. “I gave mine to baseball.”
Hunt retired with a career slash line of .273/.368/.347 in 1,483 MLB games.
A native of St. Louis, Hunt originally signed with the Milwaukee Braves out of high school. He spent four seasons in the Braves’ farm system, advancing to Double-A, before a Mets scout signed him to join the first-year franchise.
MORE: Father of Blue Jays pitcher dies while visiting family on team’s road trip
Promoted immediately to the big leagues, Hunt established himself as one of the best players on baseball’s worst team over the next four years.
According to author Bill Sullivan, Hunt returned to his farm in Wentzville, Missouri, opened liquor and sporting goods stores, and did some farming. In 1987, he formed Ron Hunt Eagles Baseball Association for local youth.
Hunt is survived by his wife Jackie, as well as their daughter Tracy and son, Ron Jr.
Continue reading...
