Former Mets Player Butch Huskey Dies at 54

Butch Huskey, a former New York Mets outfielder and first baseman who was among the last players to wear Jackie Robinson's retired number 42, has died at the age of 54. The Mets announced his death on Friday, August 14, 2026, prior to their game against the Washington Nationals. According to a report from Newsday, Huskey died from a pulmonary embolism, a cause confirmed by the team as a blood clot in his lung.

The Mets expressed their sadness in a statement, saying, "We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Met Butch Huskey." Interim manager Andy Green addressed the loss before the game, calling it a "solemn day" and sending "prayers and thoughts to his family."

Huskey, a native of Anadarko, Oklahoma, was selected by the Mets in the seventh round of the 1989 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 1993 and became a fan favorite during parts of five seasons in New York from 1993 to 1998. His most productive year came in 1997, when he set career highs with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs in 142 games, batting .287. Over his tenure with the Mets, he appeared in 414 games, hitting .264 with 55 home runs and 214 RBIs.

A significant part of Huskey's legacy is tied to the...