A member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, Charles played for eight seasons in the big leagues, coming up with the Kansas City A’s in 1962 and finishing with the New York Mets following their World Series victory. Charles did not reach the majors until he was 29-years old, but he made an immediate impact when he did. He hit .288 his rookie year with 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases and 74 RBI. All of these would be his career highs. He was solid for Kansas City for the next four years before being traded to the Mets in the middle of the 1967 season. Charles had a strong season in 1968, hitting .276 and leading New York in home runs with 15. The next year was his last, as he saw his games played drop to 61 and his average fell to .207.
Charles started four of the five World Series games against Baltimore, logging two hits in 15 at bats. Following his playing career, he served as a scout and a coach in the Mets’ system.
Ed Charles – career stats
Letters From Home Plate 