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Title: Mets hitter Rusty Staub, known after career for work for police and firefighters, dies at 73
Source: ESPN
URL Source: http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/ ... ets-hitter-rusty-staub-dies-73
Published: Mar 29, 2018
Author: Associated Press
Post Date: 2018-03-30 11:15:13 by Deckard
Ping List: *Baseball*     Subscribe to *Baseball*
Keywords: None
Views: 453
Comments: 11

NEW YORK -- Rusty Staub, the orange-haired outfielder who became a huge hit with baseball fans in two countries during an All-Star career that spanned 23 major league seasons, died Thursday. He was 73.

He died after an illness in a hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida -- hours before the start of the baseball season -- the team said in a statement. The Mets learned of the death from friends of Staub who were with him at the time, a team spokesman added.

Affectionately dubbed "Le Grande Orange," Staub was a six-time All-Star and the only player in major league history to have at least 500 hits with four teams (Houston Colt .45s/Astros, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos). He was a favorite with fans in the United States and Canada, most adored in New York and Montreal.Rusty Staub, a longtime Mets hitter, has died at age 73. Through a benefit fund he founded, Staub raised millions for the families of first responders killed in the line of duty. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

A savvy, reliable slugger with left-handed power and a discerning eye, Staub played from 1963 to 1985 and finished 284 hits shy of 3,000. He had three-plus great seasons with the Tigers and batted .300 for the Texas Rangers in 1980.

He broke into the majors as a teenager with Houston, lasted into his 40s with the Mets and spent decades doing charity work in the New York area.

"There wasn't a cause he didn't champion," the Mets said.

He owned and operated two popular Manhattan restaurants that bore his name and authored a children's book titled "Hello, Mr. Met!"

Staub was the first star for the expansion Expos in 1969, embraced by French-Canadian fans at Parc Jarry who appreciated that he learned their language.

He made three straight All-Star teams with Montreal and hit a career-high 30 home runs for the last-place Expos in 1970. Though he spent only three full seasons in Montreal, plus a 38-game reunion in 1979, his No. 10 became the first uniform jersey the team retired, in 1993.

Long after the Expos moved to Washington and were renamed the Nationals before the 2005 season, he still remains one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

Staub was traded to the Mets in 1972, and one year later he helped lead them to a surprising National League pennant. Spurred by a now-famous rallying cry from reliever Tug McGraw -- "Ya Gotta Believe!" -- the Mets upset heavily favored Cincinnati, with Staub socking three home runs in the first four games of their best-of-five NL playoff series.

Staub separated his right shoulder when he crashed hard into the outfield wall to make a fantastic catch in the 11th inning of Game 4. He sat out Tom Seaver's decisive win in Game 5 and missed the World Series opener against Oakland, yet returned to the lineup the following game.

Barely able to make weak, underhand throws during the Series, he still batted .423 with a home run, two doubles and six RBIs as New York lost in seven games. In all, Staub hit .341 with 11 RBIs in his only postseason, a clutch and gritty performance that endeared him to Mets fans forever.

In 1975, he became the first Mets player to drive in 100 runs in a season, setting a club record with 105 that wasn't broken until 1990.

New York traded Staub to Detroit in December 1975, and he made his final All-Star team with the Tigers in 1976. He had 121 RBIs and finished fifth in American League MVP voting in 1978, becoming the first major leaguer to play all 162 games in a season at designated hitter.

Staub re-signed with the Mets before the 1981 season and was a player-coach for them in 1982. Late in his career, often sporting black batting gloves and choking way up on the bat, he became one of baseball's best pinch hitters, tying an NL record in 1983 with eight consecutive pinch-hits and equaling a major league mark with 25 pinch-hit RBIs.

His final season was 1985, one year before the Mets won the World Series for the second time. After spending nine seasons with New York, he was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1986, and when he was honored at Shea Stadium, smiling ex-teammates such as Keith Hernandez and Darryl Strawberry wore long, orange wigs for the on-field ceremony.

"This is a sad day for Met Land," a tearful Hernandez said Thursday. "Rusty was a very dear friend. He has his place in Met lore and also the city. It's a tough day."

Staub worked as an announcer on Mets television broadcasts from 1986 to 1995. He was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Only 11 days after suffering a heart attack -- Staub was revived by doctors and nurses aboard a flight as it returned to Ireland -- he threw out the first pitch at Citi Field before a Mets playoff victory in 2015.

"It's a little mind-boggling that I'm here, considering what went down," Staub told MLB.com that night. "I mean, I was tap dancing in front of Saint Peter. He could have taken me easily. But maybe he had some more good for me to do. You know, I do some pretty good work. And I don't know how much time I've got. So, I guess I better hurry up."

The following April, he was on hand again to help raise the NL championship banner.

At the end of his distinguished career, Staub founded the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund. The charity has raised tens of millions of dollars and provided additional support to families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, Mets players and coaches donated their entire salaries from their first game back, about $450,000, to Staub's foundation.

Staub also has helped serve up meals to thousands of hungry and homeless people at food pantries all over New York City through Catholic Charities, with funds from his annual golf tournament and wine auction dinner.

"Rusty helped children, the poor, the elderly, and then there was his pride and joy, The New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund," the Mets said.

"Rusty was a superb ambassador for our sport and a generous individual known for community efforts, particularly for the New York City Police and Fire Departments," commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Rusty's family and friends, Mets fans and his many other admirers in the United States and Canada."

Born and raised in New Orleans, Daniel Joseph Staub was called Rusty because of his bright red hair. He made his major league debut with the Houston Colt .45s in 1963, eight days after his 19th birthday, and led the NL with 44 doubles in 1967 for the renamed Astros, earning his first All-Star selection.

"We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, former teammates and many fans of Rusty Staub, who sadly passed away this morning," the Astros said in a statement. "As a member of Colt .45s and Astros from 1963-68, Rusty was one of the first stars in the club's history and played a significant role in establishing the franchise in its early years. ... His contributions to the Astros organization and to Major League Baseball overall will always be remembered."

There was a moment of silence for Staub prior to the Astros-Rangers game Thursday.

Playing mostly right field and some first base, Staub retired with a .279 career average, 292 home runs and 1,466 RBIs. Staub, Ty Cobb, Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield are the lone players to homer in the majors before age 20 and after 40.

Staub had a .362 career on-base percentage. He drew 1,255 walks and struck out only 888 times in 9,720 at-bats over 2,951 games.

He appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot seven times, never receiving more than 7.9 percent of the vote. He dropped off after getting 3.8 percent in 1997.

He is survived by his brother, Chuck, and his sisters, Sue Tully and Sally Johnson. (1 image)

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#1. To: Deckard (#0)

L'Orange. L'Three-Dollar Bill. Just sayin'.

That said, by most accounts Staub was very good player, a nice guy and good citizen.

Liberator  posted on  2018-03-30   12:27:32 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: Liberator (#1)

Yep one of the good guys of baseball. Rest in peace.

redleghunter  posted on  2018-03-30   13:43:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#3. To: redleghunter (#2) (Edited)

That's right -- you grew up in New Yawk and remember Staub well. First Base and Right Field.

One of the Mets mainstays. Played for the Tigers as well.

OH...and he played in a dead-ball era with those stats. Had he played in the Juiced Era, his stats would be gaudy.

Liberator  posted on  2018-03-30   13:47:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#4. To: Liberator, redleghunter (#3)

Played for the Tigers as well.

They had a moment of silence before the Tigers opener today, even though he was with the team for just two seasons.

In 1978, he became the first player to play in all 162 regular-season games exclusively as a designated hitter.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.

Deckard  posted on  2018-03-30   14:01:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: Deckard (#4)

They had a moment of silence for him at the Rangers opener yesterday.

He owned a restaurant in NYC, never got a chance to get there.

redleghunter  posted on  2018-03-30   14:06:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#6. To: Deckard, redleghunter, Deckard, CZ82, All Baseball Fans (#0)

I'm curious...

I'd been following MLB since I was a little kid, reading Box Scores when I was 7 years old. I'd know entire rosters -- not only of my team, The Yankees, but others. I'd know stats up the wazoo, bought Bill James' stat handbooks. You couldn't move me from watching a Yankee Game on TV.

Within the last 10 or so years, my interest has declined precipitously. During the last few years I have lost all interest in the game.

The more political it became, the more turned off I became.

What have we seen? Commemorative "Gay Days"; "Language Rules" based on ragging of "sexual orientation"; the hyperbolic notations on the Latino demos of players; the importation of Asian and other foreign players at the expense of American-born players; The juiced up players [as certain select MLB players today are STILL permitted to be juiced up]; A Commish [Bud Selig] that had created a "Steroids Hit List" AS he purposely ignored an obvious epidemic since the 1994 strike [Selig shamefully was inducted into the Hall of Fame]; The List exposing ONLY select players on the 'Mitchell Report' instead of listing ALL the players who made "The List"; The push for Female Umps/"Minority" ownership and a managing/coaching quota based on certain demos; Et cetera...

MLB's game FEELS different. It seems off (like the other major sports like the NFL, NBA and NHL (the latter to a lesser degree.) Is it just me?

In an informal poll: How do you feel about Major League Baseball? (If you were a long time fan). Are you getting a vibe?

Liberator  posted on  2018-03-30   15:18:20 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: redleghunter, Deckard (#5)

He owned a restaurant in NYC, never got a chance to get there.

Speaking of player-owned restaurants and "never getting there", about 5 years ago my son accompanied me into NYC to see a doc; I promised we'd go to the legendary Mickey Mantle's, a mainstay destination near Central Park. To our utter disappoint, it had just CLOSED. :-(

Liberator  posted on  2018-03-30   15:21:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#8. To: Liberator (#6) (Edited)

What have we seen? Commemorative "Gay Days"; "Language Rules" based on ragging of "sexual orientation"...

Yeah, I'm not a fan of that PC bullsquat either - I guess it's their way of being more "inclusive".

the hyperbolic notations on the Latino demos of players; the importation of Asian and other foreign players at the expense of American-born players

Well, to be honest, MLB has always had a pretty large representation of Latino players, so I'm not to perturbed about that. One thing that I do dislike is the apparent refusal of many of the Latinos to even try and learn English. I mean some of these guys have been here for many years, and even when they do try and speak English, it's nearly impossible to understand what they are saying in interviews.

I think one reason that more foreign born players, Japan, Australia, other countries are being given a shot is because kids today - especially blacks - are more interested in basketball and other sports.

I have no objections to teams hiring foreign players - they should (and do) hire the best players. That's my take on it anyways.

The juiced up players [as certain select MLB players today are STILL permitted to be juiced up]; A Commish [Bud Selig] that had created a "Steroids Hit List"

I will have to say that they have done a much better job of weeding out the PED users, and when they are caught, it's at least a 50 game suspension. The Twins' SS Jorge Polanco was recently suspended 80 games for a PED violation. I'd like to see a three strikes and you're out rule go into effect.

I think what you are seeing more of is not so much the players being juiced, but the baseballs have have been "juiced" - manufactured in such a way that allows more home runs.

Lower seams, a slicker surface - In fact, home-run totals across the league began climbing rapidly right after the 2015 All-Star break.

MLB's game FEELS different. It seems off (like the other major sports like the NFL, NBA and NHL (the latter to a lesser degree.) Is it just me?

I see where you are coming from - baseball has changed but I think they are still on the conservative, traditional end of the sports spectrum, along with hockey.

I've yet to see a MLB or NHL player "take a knee" during the National Anthem. The thugs all seem to be in the NFL and NBA - I couldn't care less about those two entities.

How do you feel about Major League Baseball? (If you were a long time fan). Are you getting a vibe?

Well, one thing for sure, it's not the same as when I was a kid. Today you rarely see a player who remains with the same team his entire career, the money being paid out to the superstar players is getting way out of hand, but all in all the game is fundamentally the same as it has been for 100 years.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.

Deckard  posted on  2018-03-30   15:47:08 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#9. To: Deckard (#8)

Thanks for your perspective and honest issue by issue assessment of MLB. It's appreciated.

MLB used to be the last bastion of American traditionalism (yes, "America's Game'), largely intolerant and immune of external nonsense, and sticklers for honesty and honor for its rules and a respectful humility for the game.

Like most other "entertainment" venues, much has changed. Money, Culture, Politics, and Tradition have all afected it...and not in a good way. But then...some say "It's progress" and inevitable.

I see it as one more major "American" Institution that had to be corrupted/changed to accommodate social engineering and the new attitude.

Technically I reckon the Game of Baseball hasn't changed much; It's still 90' between bases; 3-strikes yer out; It's played with bats and baseballs (as you noted, the balls ARE changed (and so too are the bats.)

There was always a time-honored modicum of respect and sportsmanship for the opponent and other team after hitting a home run; one would put his head down and circle the bases. That's no longer the case, is it? Players flip their bat, mumble words of ridicule to the pitcher, and generally show up the opposition.

This "LOOK AT ME!" display has become all the rage in other sports; It was inevitable that MLB would fall victim.

As to PEDs, they have looked the other way with "stars." (EX: Big Papi who once boasted of his "Dominican Shakes". Penalty? NONE. After arguably his best year of his career at age 40, leading the MLB in Slugging %, David Ortiz inexplicably quit. I presume a "deal" had been made.

Not so much with marginal players like Jorge Polanco, his ilk and current get no such Mulligan. Frankly, most of the PED users are..Latino. But due to politics, that news gets tamped down.

As to the demo of MLBers, as in the NFL I find the odds impossible that in a nation of over 300 million that the reason for a lack of white players is...lack of interest (or skill with respect to the NFL.) Yes, which does leave only CT as motive :-)

Liberator  posted on  2018-03-30   17:44:38 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#10. To: Liberator (#9)

...which does leave only CT as motive :-)

Well, as long as you are alluding to CT's, might as well go all the way down the rabbit hole:

Baseball was obviously created by Freemasons as it bears the unmistakable marks of Freemasonry. The field, from home plate to the left and right field wall forms a compass; the entire outfield wall is the semicircle which this compass draws.

Upside-down, overlapping this compass, the bases form the square. Thus, the baseball field is the emblem of Freemasonry. Three strikes and three outs were assigned because three is the principle sacred number of Freemasonry.

DISCLAIMER: I'm all for a good conspiracy theory, but this seems too far-fetched even for me.

“Truth is treason in the empire of lies.” - Ron Paul

Those who most loudly denounce Fake News are typically those most aggressively disseminating it.

Deckard  posted on  2018-03-30   18:04:51 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#11. To: Liberator (#9)

David Ortiz inexplicably quit

He has had issues with his feet/legs for quite sometime so him retiring was not unexpected.

I didn't pay any attention to baseball for over 20 years but for some reason about 3 years ago I started being interested in it again, your guess is as good as mine.

Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!

CZ82  posted on  2018-03-30   19:51:59 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


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