“Glider” Gone, Thus Remembering Ed Charles AKA “The Glider” On The 100 Win, Glorious ’69 Mets

After catcher Jerry Grote, Ed Charles, who died yesterday at the age of 84, was the next player to reach and celebrate the incredible New York Mets’ 1969 “miracle” title with winning pitcher, Jerry Koosman.

That title, that long shot, that time, a year of Woodstock and a man on the moon, (not Andy Kaufman), was of course, a seminal moment for so many, not just Mets’ fans.

Add Charles and all he went through: a long minor league career often facing segregation and worse, thus there is glory and good that the man called “The Glider,” was an integral part of that title team.

I met the affable Mr. Charles on more than one occasion and am glad he cherished that team and its accomplishments.

Ed scored the winning run in game 2 of the World Series as he, Grote and then Al Weis delivered hits in the top of the ninth inning of a (1-1) game a day after the favored and great Orioles won game 1. He also hit a home run in the division clincher “that championship season.”

Ed Charles about to join #36 pitcher Jerry Koosman and #15 Jerry Grote in celebration of the incredible 1969 Mets’ title.