Former Mets coach Eddie Yost dies at 86

BOSTON -- Eddie Yost, a former Mets coach and a player nicknamed "The Walking Man" because of his penchant for drawing bases on balls during an 18-year major league career, has died. He was 86.

The Boston Red Sox say Yost died Tuesday morning in Weston, Mass., but did not announce a cause.

After his playing days, Yost was a third base coach for the Red Sox, the Mets and the Washington Senators. He was a Mets coach for nine seasons beginning in 1968.

As a player from 1944 to 1962, Yost was primarily a third baseman. He drew 1,614 walks, ranking 11th all-time. He spent his first 14 seasons with the original Senators, garnering All-Star honors in 1952, and played later for the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels.

Yost led the American League in walks six times, including a career-high 151 in 1956, and on-base percentage twice. He batted .254 with 139 home runs and 683 RBIs, but patience at the plate lifted his on-base percentage to an outstanding .394.

The Red Sox said Yost is survived by daughters Felita and Alexis and son Mike.