RIP - Ken MacKenzie

 

Ken MacKenzie, a relief pitcher who played for the Mets and others from 1960 to 1965, passed away on December 14, 2023 at age 89.

MacKenzie was signed by the Milwaukee Braves in 1956, and made his major-league debut with them in May 1960 (at age 26). After a few token games with the Braves in '60 and '61, Ken was acquired by the fledgling Mets in October 1961.

 

He appeared in 42 games for the expansion Mets in 1962 (all but 1 in relief).  His 5-4 record was the only winning record among the 17 pitchers the Mets used that year.

 

After 34 relief appearances in 1963, he was traded to the Cardinals in early-August. Two days after the end of the regular season, he was flipped to the Giants for catcher Jimmie Coker.

 

MacKenzie spent most of 1964 in triple-A, but played 10 games for the Giants in late-May and early-June.

 

After the 1964 season he was purchased by the Houston Colt .45s.  He pitched 21 games for the Astros until he was sent down to triple-A  in early August.

 

Ken retired after the 1965 season, and coached baseball at his alma mater Yale from 1969-1979.

 

Daily Mail obituary