John Stearns, a four-time All-Star catcher for the New York Mets known as “Bad Dude,” passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 71.
On August 27, he waved to the audience while being introduced on the field, but he was visibly skinny and weak while wearing his Mets jersey.
On August 21, 1951, John Hardin Stearns was born. In Denver, Colorado, Stearns attended Thomas Jefferson High School; there, he participated in three sports and won baseball and basketball state titles.
Stearns, then 17 years old and taken by the Oakland Athletics in the 13th round of the 1969 Draft Pick, was chosen to go to the University of Colorado at Boulder instead.
Stearns began his career with the Phillies in 1974 before joining the Mets in the five-player trade that sent Tug McGraw to Philadelphia. Throughout 11 seasons, he hit.260 with 46 home runs. Stearns established a reputation with the Mets as a dynamic presence behind the plate, accruing more defensive WAR than every other catcher in franchise history—all but Jerry Grote—during his time there.
Perhaps Stearns’ most infamous moment occurred on June 30, June 30, 1978, when he stood his ground to block home plate while playing against the Pirates, tagging out Dave Parker for the game’s final out. Parker was hurt in the collision, breaking his jaw.
Stearns, a recognized baseball player, has the six highest single-season totals for stolen bases by a Mets catcher. His 91 career saves are more than six times as many as the next Mets catcher.
In his later years, Stearns worked for the Mets and other clubs as a scout, coach, and Minor League manager. Before visiting New York for Old-Timers’ Day this August, he last played in a Mariners affiliate game in 2013.
John Stearns’ estimated net worth was $5 million at the time of his passing.
Amelia Warner
Amelia Warner writes all the Latest Articles. She mostly covers Entertainment topics, but at times loves to write about movie reviews as well.