Edwin Douglas Charles (April 29, 1933 – March 15, 2018) was an American professional baseball player best known for his time as a third baseman in the major leagues. A right-handed batter, Charles made his Major League debut in 1962 at age 29 and went on to play eight big-league seasons. He appeared for the Kansas City Athletics from 1962 through part of 1967 and finished his career with the New York Mets from 1967 to 1969.
Overview and playing career
Charles arrived in the majors after several years in organized baseball and established himself as a reliable infielder during the 1960s. Though not a household name like some of his contemporaries, he combined steady defense at third base with timely hitting when called upon. His career spanned the 1962–1969 seasons, a period that saw baseball transition in many ways, including expansion and changes in player demographics.
Role on the 1969 Mets and legacy
One of the most notable chapters of Charles's career was his membership on the 1969 New York Mets, the surprising team that won the World Series that year. That club, often called the "Miracle Mets," relied on a mixture of young talent and veteran leadership. Charles contributed as a seasoned player and clubhouse presence during that championship season and remains part of the team's celebrated history.
Characteristics and contributions
Charles was valued for his professionalism, situational hitting and fielding competence at third base. He was a right-handed batter who could be counted on to give opposing pitchers a challenge in critical moments. Beyond raw statistics, his experience and steady demeanor helped younger teammates navigate the pressures of big-league play.
Later life and remembrance
After retiring from active play at the end of the 1969 season, Charles remained associated with the game and with the communities where he had played. He later lived in New York City, where he died on March 15, 2018, at age 84. His death was noted by former teammates, fans and the baseball community as the passing of a respected veteran of a memorable era in the sport.
Notable facts
- Full name: Edwin Douglas Charles; born April 29, 1933.
- Major League seasons: 1962–1969, primarily as a third baseman.
- Teams: Kansas City Athletics (1962–67) and New York Mets (1967–69).
- Member of the 1969 World Series champion Mets.
- Died March 15, 2018, in New York City.
For more on the era in which Ed Charles played and the teams he was part of, see resources on Major League Baseball's history and team pages: MLB overview.