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Sports

Former Mets World Series Champion Ed Kranepool Appears at Sertinos Cafe

Fans from many generations showed up to meet the member of the 1969 World Series Champions.

Member of the 1969 World Series winning New York Mets Ed Kranepool visited Sertinos Café Saturday to sign free autographs with fans of all ages.

"It brings me back to my youth as a kid," said Rosalie Reinhart, 56.

Reinhart, who grew up in Queens and attended many Mets games, was at the last game of the 1969 World Series.

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"When I see Ed Kranepool or think about those days, it puts a smile on my face because I think of happy memories and good times,” she said.

Kranepool, who was wearing his World Series championship ring on Saturday, debuted with the Mets when he was only 17. He played his entire career with the team, including the Mets' first season in 1962.

"I've always been a Mets fan and Ed Kranepool was one of my favorites because of his background story," said Alan Zucker, 54. "He's one of the most memorable Mets."

Kevin Klein, 51, went to Mets games when he was a youth, while his mother's Godfather managed a restaurant for Kranepool.

"I lived and breathed baseball when I was a kid," he said. "I was like one step away from knowing him back then, so it's a pleasure to actually meet him."

Kevin’s son Michael, 13, also appreciated talking to an player from the 1969 Mets squad.

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"It's great meeting him and he's a nice guy. He has a great personality and this is one of those things you don't get to do everyday."

Kranepool, now 66 and living in Nassau County, visits Smithtown occasionally for other activities.

"Any time I can meet the people one on one it's a good time," he said.

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