Butch Huskey, 1971-2026

[MFS62]

Just saw this on FB, no other details.

Later

[Edgy MD]

I cannot find any details anywhere, but official Mets social media channels are reporting the passing of Butch Huskey, corner infielder/outfielder with the team from 1993 to 1998, at just 54 years old.

[Batty31]

I saw that too and came here to see if there were more details since I can't seem to find any.

RIP  😞

[Edgy MD]

In Verse Three of "Moby Octapad," Met-loving weirdos Yo La Tengo sing:

Eight o'clock, the lights are on at Shea
Phone turned down, we've nothing much to say
Dozing off, the TV drones
Huskey makes the turn and heads for home

Here's hoping Butch makes it all the way home.  Thanks for all the baseball.

[Johnny Lunchbucket]

damn

[seawolf17]

52 minutes ago, Batty31 said:

I saw that too and came here to see if there were more details since I can't seem to find any.

RIP  😞

Batty's back!

Huskey was one of those guys who I was SUPER excited about coming up in the early 90s. He was actually very good here.

[Batty31]

14 minutes ago, seawolf17 said:

Batty's back!

Huskey was one of those guys who I was SUPER excited about coming up in the early 90s. He was actually very good here.

Seawolf is back! I've been asking Edgward about you for years!  

I remember Butch fondly. One of my favs from the early 90's teams.

[Frayed Knot]

NY Post has a story up but it's still in the 'developing story' / 'no details' stage of things.

[Marshmallowmilkshake]

Terrible news! 

[MFS62]

I first saw him playing third base for Binghamton. His defense led me to think that Butch was short for Butcher. But man could he hit! RIP, big guy.

Later

[Centerfield]

Awful. Loved Butch. 

[Edgy MD]

Carl Everett and Huskey — who were platoonmates for a time — pulled what I imagine was a unique feat, both coming on as pinch-hitters against Dennis Eckersley, who was protecting a one-run lead in the ninth, with each homering to turn a 4-3 deficit into a 6-4 win, and ultimately a victory, after John Franco locked it down.

I imagine it was the only time Eck gave up two homers — let alone back-to-back — since becoming a reliever.

I gotta believeTM this happening against Oakland-era Eckersley, but it was against the Cards.

New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals Box Score: May 11, 1997 | Baseball-Reference.com

 

 

[Edgy MD]

Recalling fond memories Butch Huskey Day.

[smg58]

Far too young.  Jay Horwitz apparently indicated it was a blood clot in his lung.

[The Hot Corner]

One of the last Mets to wear #42 regularly before MLB retired it league wide.

[ashie62]

Terrible news

[Edgy MD]

First guy I remember who smelled his bat after a foul ball to make sure it wasn't cracked.  He foreshadowed Nimmo, I guess.

[Edgy MD]

in 2000 my family and I (11 at the time) went to spring training. as we were watching the players come through, Butch Huskey walked up to me and said “kid, hold this bat.” I stood there while he went to talk to someone, and he came back two minutes later and said “what are you… https://t.co/9b6p3zkUj4

— ArtButMakeItSports (@ArtButSports) August 14, 2026

[Edgy MD]

Butch supposedly had no warning in 1997 that the number on his back was going to be retired mid-game, but his status as the custodian of the number ended up giving him an ample opportunity to meet and remain close to the Rachel Robinson and the Robinson family, and after his career, he was usually a presence at Shea and Citi Field on Jackie Robinson Day.