Ed Kranepool was a driving force behind the New York Mets transformation from an expansion franchise to a World Series champion during the 1960s.
Now, the 72-year-old Mets original may be forced to sell the symbol of his success as he awaits a phone call that could change his life.
According to the New York Daily News, Kranepool is currently on the waiting list to receive a kidney transplant. In anticipation of the procedure and the sizable medical bills that will follow, he’s prepared to auction off off his 1969 World Series championship ring and other memorabilia to help offset the financial hit.
“We’re going to see from here where we’re going to go. I need a kidney,” Kranepool told the Daily News Thursday from his hospital room at North Shore University Hospital,. The perfect way to make it work and get the longevity out of it is to get the perfect match. It’s a procedure that two people have to agree on doing. I’ve already gone in for my testing. But you have to be ready to move (if a donor is found) and that could be overnight.”
Kranepool had his left big toe amputated on Wednesday after fighting an infection for several months. His kidney diagnosis forced doctors to lower his antibiotic dosages, which led to the infection spreading to the bone in his foot.
Through it all though, he’s trying to remain positive and hopeful that better days will be ahead.
“I won’t do any feet commercials,” Kranepool joked. “You gotta look at the bright side. They got the infection. The swelling (in his foot) has gone down. This whole thing is for the second stage, the kidney.”
The story of Kranepool’s major league career really couldn’t be any better. He was born and raised in New York City, and then went on to spend his entire 18-year career with the Mets. After high school, he was signed at the age of 17 by Mets scout Bubber Jonnard. He made his major league debut on Sept. 22 of the Mets inaugural season, and remained until his final game on Sept. 30, 1979.
In between, Kranepool represented the Mets in the 1965 All-Star game and also played a key role on the miracle Mets 1969 championship team. That’s why it’s especially painful to learn he’s preparing to part with that championship ring, which also represents a unique connection to his hometown and Mets history.
Beyond all that though, we hope for a return to good health so that Kranepool can spend more time with his family and continue representing the Mets.
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