87-year-old ex-Dodgers and Mets first baseman passes away

Tim Harkness, a former Major League Baseball first baseman, has passed away at the age of 87, as reported by Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network.

Harkness spent four seasons in the major leagues, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. Born in Lachine, Quebec, Canada, he joined the Dodgers in 1961 and played with them through 1962, before moving to the Mets for the 1963 and 1964 seasons.

After concluding his playing career, Harkness returned to Canada and became involved in scouting and management. He later managed the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Canadian Baseball League, leading the team to success in the International Baseball League.

The Toronto Maple Leafs organization shared their condolences, saying, We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tim Harkness, former MLB player, Toronto Maple Leafs Manager, and IBL Champion. Rest in peace, Tim Harkness.

Over his MLB career, Harkness appeared in 259 games, recording a .235 batting average with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, and 61 RBIs. He initially signed with the Philadelphia Phillies before being traded to the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he made his major league debut. Later, he was traded to the Mets, and in 1964 he was sent to the Cincinnati Reds, though he never played a major league game for them.

Tim Harkness: A Life in Baseball

The passing of Tim Harkness at 87 marks the end of an era for many in the baseball community, particularly those in Canada and with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. While his MLB career was relatively brief, Harkness’ contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, left a lasting legacy.

As a first baseman, Harkness' career stats, including a .235 batting average with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, and 61 RBIs, may not stand out among the greatest of his era. However, his role in the early years of the New York Mets and his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers were pivotal to the development of those teams during a transformative period in Major League Baseball.

Beyond his time as a player, Harkness’ impact was felt in Canada, where he became a key figure in baseball scouting and management. His leadership of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Canadian Baseball League, especially guiding them to victory in the International Baseball League, highlighted his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to nurturing future talent.

Although his MLB career didn’t include a major breakout, Harkness’ influence as a coach and mentor is undeniable. His legacy within the Canadian baseball community and among former colleagues remains strong, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes from the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. His passing reminds us that the influence of an athlete can extend far beyond their playing days, shaping the sport and community for generations to come.

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• Former Dodgers, Mets first baseman dies at 87