centerfield maz

Edward Emil Kranepool was born in the Castle Hill / Soundview section of the Bronx, New York on November 8, 1944. Ed lived on Castle Hill Ave between Hermany Ave &Turnbull Ave. Family: His father was killed in France during World War II leaving behind his wife Ethel Kranepool who was six months pregnant with Ed. Ethel raised Ed & his older sister working odd jobs & making ends meet on a military widow's pension.  A neighbor Jim Schiaffo, who was a little league coach became the closest thing he had to a father. He would practice & teach baseball to the young Eddie.  Quotes- Ed Kranepool: " I played every day of my life some kind of sport, preferably baseball or basketball. We played stickball in those days in the street, I used to beat the big kids. In little league I led the league in hitting three years in a row. I hit .700 every year." Ed started out as a pitcher but turned outfielder & first baseman after he broke his arm when...

Tuesday October 14th, 1969- Shea Stadium, New York:  For the very first time in its history, Shea Stadium hosted a World Series game. 56,335 Mets fans filed into Shea Stadium to see Gil Hodges Amazing Mets (100-62) go against Earl Weaver's A.L. Champion Baltimore Orioles (109-53).   The series was tied at one game each, after the split in Baltimore. The Stars Came Out: Many celebrities & former great baseball players were in attendance, including Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella & former Mets manager Casey Stengle. Broadway star Pearl Bailey & Met opera singer Robert Merrill.   The former first lady Jacklyn Kennedy Onasis with her new husband, Aristotle Onasis, children Caroline & John Kennedy Jr. New York State Gouverner Nelson Rockefeller was also on hand. Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme sang the National Anthem. The Mets rookie Gary Gentry (13-12 / 3.43 ERA / 154 Ks) went to the mound against O's future Hall of Famer, Jim Palmer (16-4 ...