Longtime New York Mets catcher and four-time All-Star John Stearns has handed away following a bout with most cancers, the workforce introduced on Friday morning. He was 71.
Stearns was the No. 2 total decide by the Philadelphia Phillies within the 1973 beginner draft. He was traded to the Mets in 1974 and three years later, he performed his first full season within the main leagues.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former Met John Stearns.” – New York Mets
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RIP to an amazing catcher and even higher human being. Simply surreal I simply noticed him at OTD and now he’s gone. Wow. My condolences to his household…@Mets 🧡💙🧡💙RIP to an amazing catcher and even higher human being. Simply surreal I simply noticed him at OTD and now he’s gone. Wow. My condolences to his household…
Stearns loved the very best spell of his profession between 1977 and ‘82, hitting .265/.345/.382 in over 700 video games. He earned his 4 All-Star call-ups throughout that interval (1977, ‘79, ‘80, ‘82).
Accidents minimize his profession quick, following which, he launched into a profession as a coach, scout, and supervisor.
He went on to work for a number of organizations, together with the Brewers, Yankees, Blue Jays, Mariners, and a return to his beloved Mets. Stearns served because the Mets’ bench coach in 2000 and third base coach the 12 months after.
“To my era of Met followers, John Stearns will ceaselessly be linked to his iconic “The monster is out of the cage” exclamation about Mike Piazza within the 2000 NLCS.” – John DeMarsico
Mets followers from everywhere in the world have taken to Twitter to pay homage and provide their condolences.
@Mets “The monster is out of the cage.” Gone too quickly 💔🙏
@Mets Actually a tragic day for me and the Mets Household. R.I.P Dangerous Dude 🙏🙏
John Stearns was current at Mets Previous Timers’ Day
John Stearns was current on the Mets Previous Timers’ Day solely three weeks in the past. He even stepped in for a swing of the bat earlier than the sport received underway.
@Mets It was a blessing to him and for all of us that he was in a position to be on the Previous Timers’ Day celebration final month. Relaxation in Peace, John. https://t.co/c7Qcca7ivt
One OTD-attending fan shared a video of Stearns strolling away to a roaring spherical of applause from the group.
@Mets I used to be fortunate to inform John how all #Mets followers really feel about him as he left the sphere one final time at @mets Previous Timer’s Day three weeks in the past. 🙏⚾️ https://t.co/8y1Oy679gR
Mets President Sandy Alderson launched a press release, saying that Stearns “actually willed himself” to make it to Previous Timers’ Day.
“Nobody performed the sport with extra spirit or dedication than John Stearns. He actually willed himself to attend Previous Timers’ Day final month so he may go to mates and outdated teammates. Regardless of his sickness, he even managed to step into the batting cage to take a couple of swings. His nickname, ‘Dangerous Dude’ couldn’t have been extra acceptable.” – Sandy Alderson, President, New York Mets
Stearns is survived by his son, Justin, his two brothers – Richard and William, and his sister, Carla. Our condolences exit to his household, mates and quite a few followers throughout this extremely troublesome interval.
For extra information and updates, go to the Sportskeeda Baseball web page.
