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The world mourns the loss of baseball legend John Stearns Obituary. The former catcher for the New York Mets, and later a coach for the team and a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies, passed away on August 10, 2022, at the age of 70. Stearns’ family announced that he died after a long illness, but did not give any further details. Throughout his career, Stearns was known for his aggressive style of play and his unwavering dedication to the sport. Today, we remember his legacy and impact on the game of baseball.

Early Life and Career

John Stearns was born on August 21, 1951, in Denver, Colorado. From a young age, he showed an aptitude for baseball, and he played the sport throughout his childhood and teenage years. Stearns attended the University of Colorado, where he continued to hone his skills on the field. In 1973, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, but he elected to attend a tryout with the Texas Rangers instead. Although he made a strong impression on the Rangers’ coaches, they ultimately did not sign him to a contract.

Stearns was not deterred by this setback, however. He returned to the Phillies’ minor league system, and he quickly rose through the ranks. By 1975, he was playing for the big-league team in Philadelphia, and he hit .265 with five home runs and 32 RBIs in his rookie season. Stearns continued to improve over the next several years, and he established himself as one of the best catchers in the National League.

The Glory Years with the New York Mets

In 1978, Stearns was traded to the New York Mets. He quickly became a fan favorite at Shea Stadium, thanks to his intensity, his work ethic, and his fearless play behind the plate. Stearns was known for his aggressive style of catching, and he earned a reputation as one of the toughest players in the game. He also contributed with his bat, hitting .281 with 11 home runs and 73 RBIs in his first season with the Mets.

Stearns went on to have several more productive seasons with the Mets. He was named an All-Star four times, and he won the National League Gold Glove Award for catchers in 1980 and 1982. He also helped lead the Mets to their most successful stretch in franchise history, as the team won the National League pennant in 1973, 1986, and 1988.

Coaching and Scouting Career

After retiring from playing in 1985, Stearns began a second career as a coach and scout. He stayed with the Mets organization, serving as a third base coach and a catching instructor from 1987 to 1993. He also worked as a scout for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles throughout the 1990s and 2000s, helping to identify young talent for those teams.

Remembering John Stearns

Throughout his life and career, John Stearns embodied the best qualities of a professional athlete. He was fiercely competitive on the field, but also kind and generous off the field. He was known for his charity work in both New York and Philadelphia, and he was beloved by fans and colleagues alike. Today, we honor his memory and celebrate his many contributions to the game of baseball.

Rest in peace, John Stearns Obituary.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Stearns Obituary

Who was John Stearns?

John Stearns was a former catcher for the New York Mets, as well as a coach and scout for several Major League Baseball teams. He was known for his aggressive style of play and his dedication to the sport.

What teams did John Stearns play for?

Stearns played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1975 to 1977 and the New York Mets from 1978 to 1984. He also played briefly for the Texas Rangers in 1973, but was not signed to a contract.

What awards did John Stearns win?

Stearns was named an All-Star four times and won the National League Gold Glove Award for catchers in 1980 and 1982.

What was John Stearns’ coaching and scouting career like?

After retiring from playing in 1985, Stearns worked as a coach and scout for several Major League Baseball teams, including the New York Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Baltimore Orioles.

What was John Stearns’ legacy?

John Stearns will be remembered as a dedicated and hardworking athlete who made significant contributions to the game of baseball. He was an outstanding catcher and a beloved coach and scout, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.