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Former Mets that passed away in 2018

With another year coming to an end, us sports fans can take the time to think about the best moments of the year, whether it be an epic win or a young player showing great potential for the future. Unfortunately, it is hard to ignore the fact that 2018, like every year, has seen the death of some of the most well-known and beloved figures in Mets history. To honor them, here is a list of every former Met that has died this year, and may they rest in peace. Please note that mainly their accomplishments as a Met will be listed.

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Rusty Staub, Outfielder (1972-1975, 1981-1985): It was hard to find a person in New York or Montreal that disliked Rusty Staub. He was a member of the Mets Hall of Fame and a team announcer and founded charities to help fight hunger and help the families of slain law enforcement officers. He was the first Mets player to have more than 100 RBI in a season, led the team to the 1973 World Series by batting .341 in the postseason, despite playing with an injured shoulder coming from a catch made in Game 4 of the NLCS. Sadly, in one of their terrible trades, the Mets sent him to Detroit for washed-up pitcher Mickey Lolich. Staub would return in 1981 for 4 more years as a utilityman. A player whose greatness on the field was matched by his greatness off the field, Staub's was honored by the team in 1986. He died of kidney failure at age 73 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Ed Charles, Third Baseman (1967-1969): It always hurts badly to lose a Miracle Met. The oldest player on the 1969 team, Charles scored the winning run in the top of the 9th inning in Game 2 of the World Series, saving the Mets from facing an 0-2 deficit against the powerful Orioles. While Charles was only a part-time player as a Met, his entire life was remarkable. He wrote poetry to combat racism in the Deep South. Famously, he admired Jackie Robinson and, as a young boy, saw him play in Spring Training in Florida in 1947. He died at age 84 in Queens.

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Jack Hamilton, Pitcher (1966-1967): Sadly best known for throwing a pitch while a member of the Angels that severely injured Red Sox star Tony Conigliaro, Hamilton had some solid moments with the Mets. He threw a one-hitter against the talented St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. He also entered the record books as the last Mets pitcher to hit a grand slam, against the Cardinals in 1967. He died in Branson, Missouri at age 79.

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Larry Miller, Pitcher (1965-1966): A relief pitcher brought up by a Mets team desperate for arms, Miller had an uneventful career in orange and blue. After pitching well in the minors, he struggled to get big league hitters out and eventually joined the Pacific Coast League after his Mets career ended. He died in Phoenix, Arizona at age 80.

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Chuck Taylor, Pitcher (1972): Taylor's time with the Mets was short, appearing in just 20 games and posting a 5.52 ERA with 2 saves. He was released by the team that same year and signed with the Brewers. He died in Tennessee at age 76.

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Billy Connors, Pitcher (1967-1968), Coach (1971-1976): Connors did not do much as a player, pitching just 27 innings in two seasons with an ugly 7.67 ERA. However, he would get hired as a Mets coach in 1971, first pitching batting practice, then getting a job with the team as a minor league pitching instructor until 1976. He later joined the Yankees as a pitching coach and worked with famous pitchers such as Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Orlando Hernandez. He died in Florida at age 76.

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Johnny Lewis, Outfielder (1965-1967): Acquired from the Cardinals in a trade, Lewis had a solid 1965 season where he led the Mets in runs scored (64), walks (59), OBP (.331) and OPS (.715). That same year, with the Mets being no-hit by the Reds through 11 innings, Lewis famously broke up the no-hitter by hitting a home run that proved to be the difference in the game as the Mets won 1-0. Lewis would play two more seasons with the Mets before retired. He died in Pensacola, Florida at age 78.

I believe those are all the former Mets who passed away this year. If I missed anyone, please let me know in the comments. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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