Medical responders arrived at Butch Huskey’s home in Oklahoma early Friday morning, just before the former New York Mets player was declared dead at the age of 54, according to the California Post.
A spokesperson from the Lawton Police Department informed the Post that both the Lawton Fire Department and Kirk Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to Huskey’s residence on the day he passed away.
Kirk’s paramedics reported receiving a call around 9:28 a.m. from someone experiencing “chest pains.”
Officials noted that Huskey was still alive when he was transported from his home to a nearby hospital.
Later in the day, Jay Horwitz, the Mets’ vice president of alumni relations, confirmed that Huskey had died from a blood clot in his lungs.
Mets interim manager Andy Green addressed the situation, saying, “I just want to acknowledge this solemn day this morning as Butch Huskey passed away. I want to send my prayers and thoughts to his family. I know the entire Mets family is thinking of him and those who love him today.”
Huskey was selected by the Mets in the seventh round of the 1989 MLB Draft and made his debut in 1993, playing five seasons with the team. He concluded his career with the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Colorado Rockies.
Beloved by fans, Huskey had a career batting average of .267, but he may be best remembered for his jersey number. He wore No. 42, which was retired across MLB in honor of Jackie Robinson in 1997. Being able to wear that number, he said, “meant the world to me.”
Interestingly, Huskey was the Mets’ second-to-last player to wear No. 42, with just Mo Vaughn following him in that regard.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
