Tragic Loss: Former Mets Outfielder Dies at 54
Former New York Mets Outfielder Butch Huskey Passes Away at Age 54
Quick Summary: The baseball world is saying goodbye to Butch Huskey, a former New York Mets player who died at 54 years old. He played for the Mets for five seasons and wore the famous number 42.
Who Was Butch Huskey?
Butch Huskey was a professional baseball player who spent seven years in Major League Baseball (MLB). Think of MLB as the "major leagues" – the highest level of professional baseball in the United States.
Key facts about his career:
- Position: Outfielder (plays in the far part of the field catching fly balls)
- Teams: New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, Colorado Rockies
- Best Season: 1997 with the Mets – hit 24 home runs in 142 games
- Special Number: Wore #42 – the last Met to wear it before it was retired league-wide to honor Jackie Robinson
His Baseball Journey in Simple Steps
- 1989 – Drafted by the New York Mets in the 7th round (like being picked for a team)
- 1993 – Made his MLB debut (first big league game)
- 1993–1997 – Played five seasons with the Mets
- 1997 – Career-best year: 24 home runs!
- 1997 – MLB retired #42 for all teams to honor Jackie Robinson, but Huskey got to keep wearing it (grandfather clause = special permission)
- Later years – Played for Mariners, Red Sox, Twins, and Rockies
- August 14, 2026 – Passed away at age 54
Why Number 42 Was Special
Important Point:
Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier in 1947. In 1997, MLB retired his number #42 across all teams – meaning no new player could wear it.
Butch Huskey was the second-to-last Met to wear #42. Because he was already wearing it, he got special permission ("grandfather clause") to keep it for the rest of his career.
What People Are Saying
The Mets organization shared their sadness on social media (X, formerly Twitter):
"We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Met Butch Huskey."
Sports network SNY highlighted his legacy:
- Drafted by Mets in 1989
- 1997: Best statistical season (24 HR, 142 games)
- Historic connection to #42 and Jackie Robinson
- Played for 5 MLB teams total
Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Butch Huskey |
| Age at Passing | 54 |
| Date of Passing | August 14, 2026 |
| Primary Team | New York Mets (5 seasons) |
| Career Highlight | 24 home runs in 1997 |
| Historic Note | One of last players to wear #42 |
| Other Teams | Mariners, Red Sox, Twins, Rockies |
Butch Huskey will be remembered as a solid Mets player from the 1990s who holds a unique place in baseball history as one of the final players to wear Jackie Robinson’s iconic number 42.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How old was Butch Huskey when he died?
A: He was 54 years old.
Q: What team did he play for the longest?
A: The New York Mets – he played parts of five seasons there (1993–1997).
Q: Why is the number 42 important in baseball?
A: Jackie Robinson wore #42 when he broke the color barrier in 1947. In 1997, MLB retired the number for all teams forever to honor him. Huskey was "grandfathered in" – allowed to keep wearing it because he already had it.
Q: What was his best season?
A: 1997 with the Mets – he hit 24 home runs in 142 games.
Q: What other teams did he play for?
A: After the Mets, he played for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Colorado Rockies.
Written in memory of Butch Huskey (1971–2026)
Source: New York Mets announcement via X; SNY.tv coverage