Hall of Famer and 3-time Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver has died, passing away earlier today at age 75 from complications of Lewy body dementia and COVID-19, according to a statement from the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The right-handed hurler will forever be remembered for leading the “Miracle Mets” to a 1969 World Series victory over the favored Baltimore Orioles, capping off his third season in the majors in the best way possible. The Fresno, California native went on to play 20 seasons in the big leagues.
In addition to the 3 Cy Young Awards, his other impressive accomplishments include: 12-time All Star; 311 career wins (ranked 18th); 3,640 career strikeouts (ranked 6th); 9 straight 200 strikeout seasons (longest streak in MLB history); 231 complete games; 62 shutouts (tied for 7th); 1 of only 8 pitchers with 3,500 or more strikeouts and 300 or more wins; holds the MLB record for striking out 10 batters in a row (on April 22, 1970, pitching for the Mets against the San Diego Padres).
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred called Seaver “one of the greatest pitchers of all time . . . a gentleman who represented the best of our National Pastime.”
“He was synonymous with the New York Mets and their unforgettable 1969 season,” Manfred went on to say. “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.”