Former Cardinals World Series champion passes away at 87

Former St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Ron Taylor, 87, has passed away, according to an announcement made by the New York Mets on Monday.

Taylor, born in Toronto, Canada, played in the big leagues for 11 seasons. Throughout his 11-year career, he spent time with the Cleveland Guardians, Cardinals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres.

"FLUSHING, N.Y., June 16, 2025 — Dr. Ron Taylor, one of the unsung heroes of the 1969 Miracle Mets, died today at the age of 87 in Toronto after a lengthy illness," the Mets wrote.

He appeared in two World Series, winning in 1964 with the Cardinals and 1969 with the Mets. 

In the 1964 World Series, he threw in two games, striking out two hitters and pitching 4.2 innings, allowing zero earned runs.

Throughout his regular season career in St. Louis, the right-hander posted a 4.21 ERA and struck out 223 hitters in 336.0 innings pitched.

His best years came with the Mets, when he posted a 2.59 ERA over a three-year span from 1967 to 1969.

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Those were the best three seasons of his career, throwing in 225.2 innings and striking out 137 batters. Posting a 130 ERA+, Taylor was excellent in New York.

Throughout his 11-year career, Taylor finished with a 3.93 ERA and struck out 464 hitters in 800.0 innings.

He started in 17 games throughout his 491 appearances.

Used as a closer for certain parts of his career, he also had 74 saves.

Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and everybody he touched in Major League Baseball