Tom Seaver, a pitcher regarded as one of the greatest in Mets baseball history, died Monday from coronavirus and other health conditions.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced Seaver died in his sleep at 75 from complications associated with Lewy body dementia and COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away,” said his wife Nancy Seaver and daughters Sarah and Anne in a statement. “We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you.”
Seaver had a 2.86 earned-run average in his 20-year career, spanning from 1967 to 1986, and struck out 3,640 batters, according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He spent 12 seasons with the New York Mets, earned 12 All-Star selections and guided the National League in wins three times, strikeouts five times, and ERA three times.
“Tom Seaver’s life exemplified greatness in the game, as well as integrity, character, and sportsmanship – the ideals of a Hall of Fame career,” said Jane Forbes Clark, chairwoman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement. “As a longtime member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Tom brought dignity and wisdom to this institution that will be deeply missed. His love for baseball history, and for the Hall of Fame, was reinforced in 2014, when he pledged the donation of his personal baseball collection to the Museum. His wonderful legacy will be preserved forever in Cooperstown.”
Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon also released a joint statement calling Seaver “simply the greatest Mets player of all-time.”
“Tom was nicknamed ‘The Franchise’ and ‘Tom Terrific’ because of how valuable he truly was to our organization and our loyal fans, as his #41 was the first player number retired by the organization in 1988. He was simply the greatest Mets player of all-time and among the best to ever play the game,” the statement reads. “Beyond the multitude of awards, records, accolades, World Series Championship, All-Star appearances, and just overall brilliance, we will always remember Tom for his passion and devotion to his family, the game of baseball, and his vineyard.”
Rob Manfred, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, said Seaver “was a gentleman who represented the best of our National Pastime. He was synonymous with the New York Mets and their unforgettable 1969 season. After their improbable World Series Championship, Tom became a household name to baseball fans – a responsibility he carried out with distinction throughout his life.”
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Tom’s family, his admirers throughout our game, Mets fans, and the many people he touched,” Manfred continued.
