Ron Taylor cause of death: How the former member of Mets' 1969 World Series team passed away?
Ron Taylor, World Series Champion Turned Team Doctor, Passes Away at 87 (Michael Karas/NorthJersey.com)
Ron Taylor, a two-time World Series champion and one of the key relievers behind the New York Mets' unforgettable 1969 title run, passed away on Monday at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness.
Known for his poise under pressure and dedication to excellence, Taylor's contributions extended far beyond the mound.
Dr. Ron Taylor died Monday at age 87 in Toronto after a lengthy illness
During his 11-year MLB career, Taylor wore the jerseys of five different teams—Cleveland, St. Louis, Houston, New York, and San Diego. It was with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 that he first experienced championship glory. But his most iconic moment came in 1969 with the "Miracle Mets."
Taylor was a steady presence in the Mets' bullpen from 1967 to 1971, posting a 3.04 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and securing 50 saves over 269 games.
In the 1969 season, his performance peaked. He led the team with 59 appearances, recording 13 saves and a 2.72 ERA. One of his defining moments came in Game 2 of the World Series against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. With two runners on base, Taylor coolly retired Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson, sealing a critical 2-1 win for New York.
'Ron was the only guy on our staff with postseason experience,' teammate Art Shamsky reflected in a statement issued by the Mets.
'He had won a championship with the Cardinals in 1964 and brought a winning mentality. We don't win the title without Ron Taylor.'
After his retirement from baseball, Taylor chose a path rarely taken by professional athletes. He returned to Canada and enrolled in medical school at the University of Toronto, earning his degree in 1977. By 1979, he found his way back into baseball—this time as the Toronto Blue Jays' team physician, a position he held for more than three decades.
Taylor's legacy was celebrated with his induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. He later became part of two more World Series-winning teams as a physician during the Blue Jays' back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993.
Ron Taylor's life was a rare blend of athletic excellence and medical service—a legacy that leaves a lasting mark both on and off the field.
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