Who was Butch Huskey?
Butch Huskey, whose full name was Robert Leon Huskey, was an American professional baseball player who played primarily as an outfielder but also appeared at first base and third base.
Born on November 10, 1971, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, Huskey attended Eisenhower High School in Lawton. The New York Mets selected him in the seventh round of the 1989 MLB Draft.
He reached the major leagues with New York in 1993, making his MLB debut on September 8 against the Houston Astros. His major-league career ultimately lasted seven seasons, with his final MLB appearance coming in 2000.
Butch Huskey cause of death
The Butch Huskey cause of death has been reported as a blood clot in his lung, or pulmonary embolism, by the New York Post.
However, there is an important distinction in the available reporting. When the Mets announced Huskey’s death on August 14, the organization did not publicly disclose a cause of death. Other reports also initially stated that no official cause had been released.
Therefore, the most responsible way to describe the situation is that reports have identified a blood clot in the lung as the cause, while the Mets’ initial public announcement did not provide those medical details.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in the lungs. Public reports have not established what caused Huskey to develop the clot or whether there were underlying medical circumstances.
What did Butch Huskey die from?
According to the New York Post’s report, Huskey died from a blood clot in his lung, described as a pulmonary embolism.
He was 54.
Because the Mets did not include a cause of death in their initial announcement, readers should be cautious with claims about additional medical details that have not been confirmed by the family or the organization.
Butch Huskey Mets career
Huskey spent parts of five seasons with the Mets, appearing for the club in 1993 and again from 1995 through 1998.
He became an important power option for New York during the 1990s. His best Mets season came in 1997, when he played 142 games and hit 24 home runs with 81 RBIs.
Across his Mets career, Huskey appeared in 414 games, hitting 55 home runs and driving in 214 runs, according to reports following his death.
His versatility was also a notable part of his career. Baseball-Reference lists him at right field, first base and third base.
Butch Huskey stats
Huskey finished his MLB career with the following major statistics:
- Seasons: 7
- Games: 697
- Batting average: .267
- Hits: 555
- Home runs: 86
- RBIs: 336
- MLB debut: September 8, 1993
- Final MLB game: October 1, 2000
Baseball-Reference confirms his .267 career average, 555 hits and 86 home runs.
His 24-home-run campaign in 1997 was the standout power season of his Mets career.
What was Butch Huskey’s best season?
Huskey’s best statistical season in the majors came in 1997.
That year with the Mets, he hit:
- .287 batting average
- 24 home runs
- 81 RBIs
- 142 games played
His 24 home runs were a career high.
Although he did not become a long-term star, his power made him a recognizable player during an important period in Mets history.
Butch Huskey and No. 42
One of the most distinctive parts of Huskey’s baseball legacy was his connection to Jackie Robinson’s No. 42.
Huskey wore No. 42 with the Mets from 1995 through 1998. Major League Baseball retired No. 42 throughout the sport in 1997 in honor of Robinson.
Because Huskey was already wearing the number, he was covered by a grandfather clause and was permitted to continue using it. He was among the final Mets players to wear No. 42.
Huskey’s admiration for Robinson reportedly began long before his MLB career. His connection to the number became an especially meaningful part of his baseball story.
Which teams did Butch Huskey play for?
Huskey played for five MLB organizations during his career:
- New York Mets
- Seattle Mariners
- Boston Red Sox
- Minnesota Twins
- Colorado Rockies
Baseball-Reference lists all five teams among his major-league clubs.
He spent most of his MLB career in New York before moving between several clubs late in his career.
Butch Huskey with the Red Sox
Huskey joined the Boston Red Sox in 1999 after beginning that season with Seattle.
His time in Boston was brief, with the Red Sox appearing in the American League Championship Series that year before losing to the New York Yankees. Huskey later played for Minnesota and Colorado.
He finished his MLB career with the Rockies in 2000.
What happened to Butch Huskey after baseball?
Huskey’s MLB playing career ended in 2000. Baseball-Reference lists October 1, 2000, as his final major-league game.
He later remained connected to baseball, including participation in Mets fantasy camps. His career was relatively short, but his time in New York gave him a lasting connection with Mets supporters.
He was only 29 when his MLB playing career ended, although he continued playing professionally in the minor leagues afterward. He eventually stepped away from professional baseball.
Where was Butch Huskey now?
Searches for “Butch Huskey now” are now largely related to news of his death.
Huskey died on August 14, 2026, at age 54. The Mets confirmed his passing before a game against the Washington Nationals.
Consequently, references to where Huskey is “now” should not suggest that he remains alive or active in baseball. His legacy is now centered on his MLB career, his time with the Mets and his connection to Jackie Robinson’s No. 42.
How old was Butch Huskey?
Butch Huskey was 54 years old when he died.
He was born November 10, 1971, and died in August 2026. Baseball-Reference lists his birth date and playing career information.
Butch Huskey’s legacy with the Mets
Huskey’s legacy extends beyond his statistics.
He became part of Mets history during the 1990s and was particularly remembered for his power and ability to play multiple positions. His connection to No. 42 made his story even more distinctive.
The Mets expressed their condolences following his death, with interim manager Andy Green describing the day as a difficult one for the organization and offering thoughts and prayers to Huskey’s family.
His death at 54 prompted an outpouring of reaction from baseball fans and former Mets supporters. Online baseball communities also remembered him as a memorable player from the 1990s.
Butch Huskey FAQs
What was Butch Huskey’s cause of death?
Reports have identified a blood clot in his lung, or pulmonary embolism, as the cause of death. However, the Mets’ initial announcement did not disclose a cause.
How old was Butch Huskey when he died?
Huskey was 54 years old.
What were Butch Huskey’s career stats?
He finished his MLB career with a .267 batting average, 555 hits, 86 home runs and 336 RBIs.
How many home runs did Butch Huskey hit with the Mets?
Huskey hit 55 home runs in 414 games with the Mets.
What was Butch Huskey’s best MLB season?
His standout Mets season was 1997, when he hit 24 home runs and 81 RBIs while batting .287.
Did Butch Huskey wear No. 42?
Yes. Huskey wore No. 42 with the Mets and was allowed to continue wearing it after MLB retired the number because of the grandfather clause.
What teams did Butch Huskey play for?
He played for the Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Twins and Rockies during his MLB career.
Final thoughts
Butch Huskey’s death at 54 marks the loss of a former Mets fan favorite whose career left a distinctive mark on New York baseball.
His 24-home-run 1997 season, 55 Mets home runs and connection to Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 remain central parts of his legacy. His career statistics show a productive seven-year MLB player, while his relationship with the Mets made him especially memorable to fans.
As of the latest reporting, a blood clot in the lung has been reported as the cause of death, although the Mets’ initial statement did not publicly provide a cause.
Huskey’s playing career may have ended more than two decades ago, but his name remains part of Mets history—and his unexpected passing has brought his baseball story back into the spotlight.
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