John Stearns was a four-time All-Star catcher for the New York Mets in the 1970s and ‘80s.
- Died: September 15, 2022 (Who else died on September 15?)
- Details of death: Died in Denver of cancer at the age of 71.
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Baseball career
Stearns played college baseball, as well as football, at the University of Colorado. It was while he was with the Colorado Buffaloes that he earned his nickname, “Bad Dude.” In 1973, Stearns was drafted both by the Philadelphia Phillies and the Buffalo Bills. He chose baseball and played for the Phillies’ minor league teams before playing a single game for the Phillies in 1974 before being traded to the Mets. It was with the Mets that Stearns shone, making All-Star appearances in 1977, 1979, 1980, and 1982. He became known for stealing bases, including leading the Mets with 25 stolen bases in 1978. Stearns was also known for on-field altercations, once tackling a spectator who ran onto the field during a game. After retiring from his playing career in 1984, Stearns worked as a scout and managed minor league teams, as well as coaching the Mets, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles.
Tributes to John Stearns
Full obituary: The New York Times
