Former Mets reliever Pedro Feliciano dies at 45
Former New York Mets reliever Pedro Feliciano, known for his frequent appearances in the early 2000s, has died, the team announced Monday. He was 45.
The Mets confirmed Feliciano’s passing after ESPN baseball analyst Eduardo Pérez first reported the news on social media. No cause of death has been reported.
Feliciano, a lefty who usually entered to face left-handed hitters, is second on the all-time Mets list in appearances (484), behind John Franco (695). He led the league in appearances from 2008-2010 with 86, 88, and 92 outings, respectively, earning the nickname “Perpetual Pedro.” His 344 appearances between 2007-2010 are a major league record.
Lefties hit .211 against him over his career, and he posted a lifetime 3.33 ERA in a professional career that spanned nine years.
Just found out that former #Mets reliever Pedro Feliciano passed away last night in his sleep. He was 45years young. He was a really good released but a better person off the field. He will be missed 🇵🇷 #Leones #Cangrejeros. He was jet skiing yesterday with his family. #sad 😟
— Eduardo Perez (@PerezEd) November 8, 2021
“The Mets are so saddened to hear of the loss to their family today,” the team said in a statement Monday. “Pedro Feliciano will be remembered as a beloved member of the Mets organization for his impact as a great teammate as well as his reputation as one of the most competitive, durable and reliable relievers during his time in Queens. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Feliciano family. Rest in peace, Pedro.”
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Pedro Feliciano. 💔https://t.co/Y1DARwiMbc
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 8, 2021
Drafted in the 31st round of the 1995 draft out of Dorado, Puerto Rico, by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Feliciano moved from the minor league systems of the Dodgers and Reds before breaking in with the Mets in 2002 at age 25. Feliciano entered 51 games over three seasons and spent the 2005 campaign playing in Japan. He returned to the Mets in 2006, when he became a valuable member of the bullpen.
Feliciano signed a two-year deal with the Yankees before the 2011 season but never appeared in a game for them due to shoulder issues, which the team’s front office blamed on overuse during his time with the Mets.
He returned to the Mets for a brief stint in 2013, his final season in the majors. Feliciano signed minor league deals with the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs but never made it back to the bigs.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pedro Feliciano, ex-Mets lefty reliever, dies at 45
