Former infielder and long-time major league coach Mike Cubbage died of cancer Saturday at the age of 74. Much of his coaching career came with the Mets:

While the Amazin’s cycled through Jeff Torborg, Dallas Green and Bobby Valentine over the next six seasons, Cubbage remained a steady presence as the franchise’s third base coach — a position he retained through the 1996 season. 

NYPost.com

My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Cubbage posted some high OBPs during his prime, making him a valuable middle infielders when those positions where not known for their power. Part of that came from him being platooned, as he seldom saw a left-handed pitcher. His best season came in 1978 when he slashed .282/.348/.401 with the Twins. It was his age 27 season, typically the height of a player’s prime.