New York Mets Hall of Fame Pitcher Tom Seaver Passes Away at 75 — Everything We Know

On Monday, August 31, 2020, former pitcher Tom Seaver passed away at age 75 in the early hours of the morning. The New York Mets Hall of Famer sadly died from complications.

According to “Baseball Hall,” Tom Seaver passed away peacefully in his sleep. The Hall of Famer died from complications caused by the novel coronavirus disease and Lewy body dementia.

His wife, Nancy Seaver and their daughters confirmed his death with a statement saying: “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away.” The former pitcher was a father to Anne and Sarah.

TRIBUTES TO TOM

His survivors also added: “We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you.” The Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Jane Forbes Clark, also released a statement after Tom’s passing.

Forbes Clark noted how the late star had been an example of greatness in the game. She also shared how he was a longstanding member of the Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

WORKING AS A DIRECTOR

As one of the directors, the late pitcher instilled wisdom and dignity to the institution. Forbes Clark also noted how much Tom would be missed.

She revealed how his love for baseball was reinforced when he offered to donate his personal baseball collection to the museum in 2014. The chairman vowed to preserve the late star’s legacy in Cooperstown.

TIM MEAD HONORS SEAVER

The President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Tim Mead, also paid tribute to Tom. Mead described the late star as a fierce competitor who prepared daily and had a workout routine that he stuck to.

The president noted how Tom had been driven, passionate, disciplined, and intelligent. Mead went on to describe the former pitcher as the finest one the game has ever seen.

HIS HALL OF FAME ELECTION

In 1992, Tom was elected to the Hall of Fame. He was inducted when 98.8% of the ballots cast by the members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America named him as their choice.

It was the highest voting percentage ever received by a nominee at the time. Besides playing baseball, the former pitcher once served in the US Marine Corps.

BEING DRAFTED BY THE METS

In 1966, the New York Mets obtained him in a special draft lottery. The year after, he earned the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

TOM’S NICKNAME AND ROLE

The pitcher, who was known as “Tom Terrific,” was responsible for changing the team’s losing streak. In 1969, he helped bring them to their first World Championship.

DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

Tom announced that he was diagnosed with dementia in March last year. He also revealed that he would be retiring from public life.

RETIRING FROM BASEBALL

The Hall of Famer actually retired from baseball in June 1987. In May 2020, the former baseball star was living at his vineyard in California and keeping to himself.

SOME OF HIS ACCOLADES

In his lifetime, the late pitcher won three Cy Young Awards. During his 20-year career, the former athlete featured in the All-Star Game twelve times and won the NL ERA title thrice.