Ron Taylor: Cardinals & Mets Pitcher Dies at 87
Ron Taylor, a World Series champion pitcher for teh Cardinals and Mets, and later a respected team physician, has died at the age of 87. Taylor’s impact resonated deeply, contributing considerably to the 1964 Cardinals and 1969 Mets World Series victories. His crucial role in the “Miracle mets” championship run, coupled with his post-playing career as a Toronto Blue Jays team physician for three decades, solidifies his enduring legacy. News Directory 3 covers this heartfelt remembrance, including his contributions on and off the field. Explore the life of this baseball icon, from his pitching prowess to his dedication to medicine. Discover what’s next concerning his legacy.
Ron Taylor, World Series Champion and Team Physician, Dies at 87
Updated June 16, 2025
dr. Ron Taylor, a key player on two World Series championship teams and later a long-serving team physician, died Monday in Toronto. He was 87. the New York Mets confirmed his death, stating it followed a lengthy illness. Taylor, a Toronto native, is enshrined in the Canadian sports Hall of Fame.
A right-handed pitcher, Taylor contributed to the St.Louis Cardinals’ 1964 World Series victory and the new York Mets’ improbable 1969 championship run. He pitched for the Mets from 1967-1971,leading the ‘miracle Mets’ in 1969 with 59 appearances and 13 saves,posting a 9-4 record and a 2.72 ERA. His role as a World Series champion pitcher was vital to the team’s success.
Former Mets teammate Art Shamsky emphasized Taylor’s impact. “Ron was the only guy on our staff with postseason experience,” Shamsky said. “He had won a championship with the Cardinals in 1964 and brought a winning mentality. We don’t win the title without Ron Taylor.”
In the 1969 World series, Taylor pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He secured a Game 2 victory against Baltimore, retiring Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson with two runners on base in the ninth inning. Earlier that year, he saved Game 1 and won Game 2 against atlanta in the National League Championship Series.
Taylor’s 11-season MLB career included stints with Cleveland, Houston, and San Diego. He amassed a 45-43 record with a 3.93 ERA and 74 saves in 491 games. After retiring from baseball in 1972, he pursued a medical degree and later served as the Toronto Blue Jays’ team physician for approximately 30 years, showcasing his dedication to baseball and medicine.
What’s next
The baseball community mourns the loss of Ron Taylor, remembering his contributions both on the field as a World Series champion pitcher and off the field as a dedicated team physician. His legacy as a key player and medical professional will endure.