All Mets’ fans and the entire baseball world have thoughts and prayers out for Tom Seaver. The New York Mets icon was diagnosed with dementia and after the announcement late Thursday afternoon, the support for “Tom Terrific” was overwhelming.
By all standards, overwhelming is expected for Seaver. With the Mets 1969 World Series championship anniversary of 50-years upon us, the news means Seaver is leaving public life and will not be a part of the ceremonies and a season of memory of those 1969 Miracle Mets.
The important thing is to remember Tom Seaver, whether you are a Mets fan or not. He was iconic and always will be a part of the Mets and baseball fans in New York. We want to see Tom Seaver again throw another pitch for that memory at Citi Field this Summer. We want to recall that terrific fastball and ability to strike out the other legends who were fortunate to be in the batter’s box when Tom Seaver was on the mound.
However, like the fighter he was on the mound, Tom Seaver will face this bigger battle. And those who know him, including the surviving members of those “Miracle” 1969 Mets, know their teammate will battle and fight with the support of family and friends.
Of all the ‘69 Mets, and there were many heroes, Tom Seaver is the one. He was “Tom Terrific” and he earned that nickname. A 12-time All-Star, Seaver was near perfect for eight innings against the Cubs on a July night at Shea Stadium.
It was July 9, 1969. With one out in the ninth, Chicago Cubs outfielder Jimmy Qualls singled to left-center. Perfection was not to be that night but you could say his entire career was. A no-hitter would come later on with the Reds, but that near night of perfection remains one of the top moments in Mets history.
“We’ve been in contact with the Seaver family and aware of his health situation,” said Mets CEO Jeff Wilpon in a statement. “Although he;s unable to attend the ‘69 anniversary, we are planning to honor him in a special ways and have included his family in our plans. Our thoughts are with Tom, Nancy and the entire Seaver family.”
By all means. we are not writing an obituary here. In the coming weeks and months there will be more than one book that reflects on the many takes of that ‘69 Miracle Mets team. Much of what is said, you guessed it, will be about “Tom Terrific.”
Tom Seaver is still with us. He won’t be seen and that is the sad part of this. So all we need to do, Mets fan or not, is offer a prayer for Tom Seaver. He deserves to be remembered this upcoming and nostalgic season.
We should also always remember Tom Seaver for his “Terrific” contributions to the Mets and baseball. Also remember the dedication and strength. A New York baseball icon? No debate about that.
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