The Mets misplaced a member of the household this week.
John Stearns, the catcher who spent ten years with the Mets from 1975 to 1984 and made 4 All-Star groups, died from most cancers late on Thursday evening. Stearns, 71, was additionally a coach for the Mets from 2000 to 2001 and just lately made an look on the group’s Old Timers’ Day.
Mets president Sandy Alderson launched an announcement on Friday mourning Stearns’ passing.
“No one performed the sport with extra spirit or dedication than John Stearns. He actually willed himself to attend Old Timers’ Day final month so he may go to mates and previous teammates.
“Despite his illness, he even managed to step into the batting cage to take a few swings. His nickname, ‘Bad Dude’ couldn’t have been more appropriate. A four-time All-Star, John was one of the most complete catchers in Mets history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
Stearns spent almost his complete main league profession with the Mets. A Denver, Colo. native, he was drafted second total by Philadelphia within the 1973 draft out of the University of Colorado. His debut got here in 1974 with the Phillies, however he performed only one sport for them earlier than being traded to the Mets within the deal that included Tug McGraw.
As a Met, he hit .259/.341/.375 and drove in 312 runs. His 91 stolen bases are by far probably the most of any Mets catcher, with Jerry Grote’s 14 incomes second place.
“I’m so glad we had a chance to talk at Citi Field a few weeks ago,” stated Joe Torre, Stearns’ former teammate who later managed him. “No one played the game harder than John. He never came to the park in a bad mood. All he wanted to do was win. To be a four-time All-Star is something special.”
Mets’ radio broadcaster Howie Rose posted a tweet remembering Stearns, who not solely took some batting cage hacks at Old Timers’ Day, but additionally made his manner onto the sector.
“We did not expect him to be able to travel to Old Timers’ Day but he was insistent,” Rose tweeted. “He wanted to see his friends one more time. He coached first base and even took some swings in the cage. The Dude right up to the end. RIP.”
Stearns, a right-handed hitter who walked greater than he struck out, is third amongst Mets’ catchers in profession hits behind Grote and Mike Piazza. Since integration, Stearns can be considered one of simply 35 gamers to play at the very least 75% of their profession video games at catcher and make 4 All-Star groups.
“I am heartbroken,” stated Lee Mazzilli, Stearns’ teammate for six years. “John was just a joy to be around. He loved the game so much. I was amazed when he went to the batting cage on Old Timers’ Day. That just showed you how much of a competitor he was.”
Stearns is survived by his son, Justin, in addition to brothers Richard and William and his sister, Carla.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com