Mets legend Ron Hunt dies at 85

Ron Hunt, a foundational player for the New York Mets and one of baseball's most famously tenacious competitors, died on July 17, 2026, in his hometown of St. Louis. He was 85. The Mets announced his death, noting he had spent the final month of his life in hospice care while battling multiple illnesses, including Parkinson's disease.

Hunt's 12-year major league career, which began in 1963, was defined by a fearless, old-school style of play. He spent his first four seasons with the Mets, quickly establishing himself as the team's starting second baseman. As a 22-year-old rookie, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Pete Rose, recording 145 hits, 10 home runs, and 42 RBIs. His performance earned him All-Star selections in 1964 and 1966, with his start in the 1964 Midsummer Classic at Shea Stadium marking the first time a Met was voted in as an All-Star starter.

While not a power hitter, Hunt carved out a respected career through his remarkable ability to reach base, most notably by being hit by pitches. He stood exceptionally close to the plate, refusing to back away from inside pitches. Over his career, he was struck 243 times, the...