He played for four teams over two decades: the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox from 1967 to 1986.
Tom Seaver, the baseball legend who won 311 games with his prowess as a right-handed power pitcher, died on Monday, 1 Sept 2020. He entered the Hall of Fame in 1992 for his exceptional talent on the field.
He played for four teams over two decades, from 1967 to 1986: the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. However, it was the die-hard fans of the Mets who celebrated him the most for changing the fate of the New York Club and nicknamed him Tom Terrific.
Daily News says that he died due to "complications of Lewy body dementia and Covid-19."
His wife Nancy Seaver and two daughters Sarah and Anne released a joint statement to the Baseball Hall of Fame. “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away. We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you.”
The New York Mets Team shared a tweet expressing their love for one of their most beloved players and the grief over his loss.
Official statement from the #Mets on the passing of Tom Seaver. #RIP41 pic.twitter.com/tWTxQWlk1o
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 3, 2020
Apart from his enviable physique with those strong legs that helped him race against time on the field, he was a strategic player who studied opponents' moves to defeat them. With age, the strength of his arm may have decreased, but his cognitive analysis of the game grew, making him one of the most loved players of all time.
Other teams also shared their thoughts on social media, including Chicago White Sox, with whom he had his 300th win.
White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on the passing of Hall of Famer Tom Seaver: pic.twitter.com/HzuEHdzNSH
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 3, 2020
Another legend, Ferguson Jenkins, considered one of the finest Canadian-born pitcher and coach, felt nostalgic about his experience on the field with Seaver.
Very saddened to hear of the passing of fellow Hall of Famer Tom Seaver. Many great memories over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with the Seaver family. pic.twitter.com/h5BIlcGGZq
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) September 3, 2020
An ardent fan spoke about how much an influence Seaver had on him on Metsmerized Online. He recollects, "Writing my book on the 69 Mets which comes out in June has reinforced my impression of Tom Seaver as every player I have spoken to talks about his talent but also about his leadership skills. Ron Swoboda told me, 'The Tom Seaver you saw in 1969 was the same player I saw in his rookie year. He was as prepared to be a superstar as any player I’ve ever seen in my life.' As a 9-year-old youngster, I revered Seaver because he always cared as much about his teammates as he did about himself and honestly to this day is the best pitcher I’ve ever seen on a mound in New York City. His stuff was off the charts but his preparation to take the mound plus his mind for the game coupled with his hunger to win is a combination I’ve never seen in any athlete that performed his craft in New York City."
According to the New York Times, M.L.B. Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement about the Greatest Mets of All Times: "Tom 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.”
This is what true sportsmanship is. RIP Tom Terrific.
References:
https://metsmerizedonline.com/2019/03/tom-seaver-taught-us-all-to-reach-for-the-sky.html/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/sports/baseball/tom-seaver-mets-reaction.html
