Mets to wear uniform patch honoring late SS Bud Harrelson

NEW YORK -- The New York Mets will wear tribute patches on the sleeves of their uniforms this season in honor of the late Bud Harrelson.

New York said Monday the patches will feature Harrelson's No. 3 and "BUDDY." The Mets said the side of the sleeve with the patch will vary depending on whether a player is right-handed or left-handed.

The shortstop died on Jan. 10 at age 79 after being stricken with Alzheimer's disease. He was a player on the Mets' 1969 World Series champions and a coach for the 1986 championship team. Harrelson played for the Mets from 1965 to '77 and managed the team in 1990 and '91.

His six grandchildren will take part in a ceremonial first pitch ceremony before Thursday's opener.