#97) ED CHARLES

Ed Charles joined the New York Mets when he was traded by the Kansas City Athletics for Larry Elliot on May 10, 1967. He earned the nickname "The Glider" due to his graceful baserunning ability. Ed was a member of the 1969 World Champion Miracle Mets team. He scored the winning run in Game 2 of the World Series on an Al Weis single in the ninth inning. Charles retired from baseball after the magical 1969 season.

Charles began his professional baseball career by spending eight seasons in the Braves minor league system during the time that segregation still plagued the deep south. The Glider was also writing poetry concerning both baseball and racism then. A talent that continued even after earning his way to the major leagues. Following his active playing career, Charles worked as a promoter for Buddha Records.

Ed Charles signed his card in the set for me from an autograph request sent to his home on December 10, 2009.