NEW YORK — Butch Huskey, who was the penultimate Mets player to wear the No. 42, has died at age 54, the club announced on Friday on social media. "We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Met Butch Huskey," the Mets said in a statement. A cause of death has not been announced. Huskey, who wore No. 42 to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson, was drafted by the Mets in the seventh round of the 1989 MLB Draft out of Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Oklahoma. He made his debut in 1993 before seeing his first major action in 1996 when he slashed .278/.319/.435 with 15 home runs, 60 RBI and 43 runs.
Huskey, who played parts of five seasons with the Mets, logged his most productive campaign one season later in 1997 when he posted an .822 OPS with 24 home runs, 26 doubles, 81 RBI and 61 runs. He spent the majority of his playing career in right field, with spurts at first base and third base. "I just want to acknowledge this solemn day with the passing of Butch Huskey this morning," Mets interim manager Andy Green said Friday. "Just want to send prayers and thoughts to his family. I know all of our Mets family is thinking of him and the people who love him today." Huskey was traded to the Mariners before the 1999 season and played with four separate teams before his major league career ended one year later in 2000. Huskey finished his career with 86 home runs, 336 RBI and 259 runs in 642 games across seven seasons. Mo Vaughn would later become the final Mets player to don No. 42. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Former Mets outfielder Butch Huskey dies at 54