(PatriotNews.net) – Former Mets pitcher and Toronto Blue Jays team physician Dr. Ron Taylor, who transformed from World Series hero to pioneering sports medicine doctor, has died at 87 after completing a remarkable journey that few athletes have ever matched.
Key Takeaways
- Ron Taylor won World Series championships with two different teams (1964 Cardinals, 1969 Mets) before becoming a medical doctor
- After retiring from baseball, Taylor earned his medical degree at age 39 and served as the Toronto Blue Jays team physician for 34 years
- Taylor was the first MLB player to complete medical school after retirement and was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985
- The relief pitcher never allowed a run in 10.1 career postseason innings, including crucial saves in both World Series victories
From World Series Hero to Medical Pioneer
Ron Taylor, a key reliever for the 1969 “Miracle Mets” World Series championship team and later a respected physician, passed away on June 16, 2025, at age 87 following a lengthy illness. The Canadian-born pitcher carved out a unique legacy that spanned both professional sports and medicine, becoming the only Canadian to win World Series titles with two different teams before transitioning to a successful medical career that lasted decades longer than his time on the mound.
Former Mets teammate Art Shamsky remembered Taylor fondly, saying, “Ron was a great teammate who brought a winning mentality to our club. He was a big part of our championship team and will be missed by all of us who played with him.”
Clutch Performer in Baseball’s Biggest Moments
Taylor’s baseball career spanned 11 major league seasons with Cleveland, St. Louis, Houston, New York and San Diego, compiling a 45-43 record with 71 saves and a 3.93 ERA. But it was in the postseason where Taylor truly shined. The right-hander never allowed a run in 10.1 career postseason innings, a remarkable achievement that underscored his ability to perform under pressure. His postseason heroics began with the 1964 Cardinals, where he threw four hitless innings in relief during Game 4 of their World Series victory over the Yankees.
Five years later, Taylor cemented his place in baseball lore as a key member of the 1969 “Miracle Mets.” During that magical season, Taylor posted a 3.04 ERA over 269 games and led the team with 13 saves. In the World Series against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles, Taylor recorded a crucial save in Game 2 by retiring future Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson with two runners on base. Overall, Taylor pitched 5.2 scoreless innings across the 1969 postseason, helping secure New York’s first World Series championship.
From Pitcher’s Mound to Medical School
What truly set Taylor apart from other professional athletes was his remarkable second act. After retiring from baseball in 1972, Taylor made the extraordinary decision to pursue a medical degree at the University of Toronto. Despite being in his late 30s and years removed from academic life, Taylor excelled in his studies. When questioned about his ability to succeed in medical school at his age, Taylor recalled the admissions committee’s response: “If you can still get these kinds of marks, you’re in.”
In 1977, at age 39, Taylor became the first former MLB player to complete medical school after retirement. This achievement represented not just personal triumph but broke new ground in showing how elite athletes could successfully transition to demanding intellectual careers. His unique combination of athletic experience and medical knowledge made him especially valuable in the emerging field of sports medicine.
Legacy in Two Fields
Taylor’s medical career proved even longer and perhaps more impactful than his baseball tenure. From 1979 to 2013, he served as the Toronto Blue Jays’ team physician, contributing behind the scenes to the organization’s back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. His 34-year tenure with the Blue Jays medical staff allowed him to treat generations of players while pioneering approaches to baseball-specific injuries and rehabilitation protocols.
In recognition of his contributions to Canadian baseball, Taylor was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985. His legacy represents a unique bridge between athletic excellence and medical service, demonstrating how the discipline and determination required for professional sports could transfer to equally demanding intellectual pursuits. Taylor’s journey from World Series hero to respected physician remains one of baseball’s most inspiring second acts.
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