Ron Taylor, a New York Mets legend and two-time World Series champion, passed away Monday at the age of 87 in Toronto after battling a long illness, the team announced.
Taylor began his MLB career with the Cleveland Indians in 1962 before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963. He captured his first World Series title with the Cardinals in 1964.
However, Taylor is most fondly remembered for his contributions to the Mets. He played in New York from 1967 to 1971 and was a key figure during the team’s historic 1969 championship season.
That year, Taylor led the Mets’ bullpen with 59 appearances, recorded 13 saves, and posted a 9–4 record with a 2.72 ERA.
“Ron was the only guy on our staff with postseason experience,” former Mets teammate Art Shamsky said in a statement. “He had already won a title with the Cardinals in ’64 and brought that championship mindset. We don’t win it all in ’69 without Ron Taylor.”
Taylor’s playing career came to a close in 1972 after the Mets sold his contract to the Montreal Expos, though he never appeared in a game for them. He wrapped up his time in the majors with a brief stint on the mound for the San Diego Padres before officially retiring.
Following his playing days, Taylor transitioned into medicine and joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ medical staff in 1977, where he remained until retiring in 2014.
Though he wasn’t in uniform, Taylor was part of the Blue Jays organization during their back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.
He finished his MLB career with a 45-43 record and 464 strikeouts.
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