PORT ST. LUCIE — Ed Charles, a contributor to the Mets’ first World Series-winning team in 1969, died Thursday, according to the team. He was 84.

Nicknamed “The Glider,” Charles played three seasons at third base for the Mets, and in retirement from baseball settled into the New York area. In the clubhouse, Charles was known for his poetry.

“Ed Charles, our beloved Glider and Poet Laureate of the 1969 Mets, was one of the kindest and warmest people ever to be a Met,” the Mets said in a statement. “His essays and poems inspired his teammates to the improbable World Series championship.

“With Jackie Robinson as his role model, Ed perpetuated a legacy of making a positive impact on other people’s lives. Everyone at the Mets are sending condolences, thoughts and prayers to Ed’s longtime companion Lavonnie Brinkley, his two sons Edwin and Eric, sister Virginia Charles and brother Elder.”

Charles, who was born into the segregated South, made his major league debut with the Kansas City Athletics in 1962 after spending eight seasons in the Braves’ farm system. He was traded to the Mets in 1967 for Larry Elliott and $50,000.

Charles arrived to a team that was a perennial National League doormat before shocking the world in 1969. Charles, who shared third-base duties with rookie Wayne Garrett, hit .207 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 61 games that season. He also appeared in four World Series games against the Orioles.

In the movie “42” a young Charles is depicted placing his ear to the tracks saying he can still hear the train carrying Jackie Robinson.