Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, the face of the surprise champion 1969 “Miracle Mets,” died Monday from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19 at the age of 75, the Hall said Wednesday night in a statement.
“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, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Though he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox during his 20-year career, Seaver is synonymous with the Mets and made the All-Star team nine times in 10 full seasons with the club.
The rest of Seaver’s résumé is also very impressive: three National League Cy Young Awards, 311 victories, a 2.86 career E.R.A., 3,640 strikeouts and an additional two All-Star selections.
“Tom’s fierceness as a competitor was matched by his daily preparation and workout regimen,” said Tim Mead, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “Intelligent, passionate, disciplined, respectful and driven, he was as fine a pitcher as the game has seen.”
Seaver, who earned the nicknames “Tom Terrific” and “The Franchise” and also served in the U.S. Marine Corps, spent his final years in Calistoga, California. He is survived by his wife Nancy Seaver and daughters Sarah and Anne.
“Tom was a gentleman who represented the best of our national pastime,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “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.”
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