Growing Up With the Mets

Franchise legend Ed Kranepool literally grew up with the Mets — the 17-year-old kid got his start during 1962 in the team’s first season. “The Mets were my first choice,” the New York native said. “They gave me an opportunity in the major leagues in a hurry. I didn’t think it was going to be that fast, two days after graduation.” He signed with the club on June 27 and played in the minors before making his big-league debut on September 22. It would be the first of 1,853 games wearing a Mets uniform, more than any other player in franchise history.