We're counting down the Top 10 New York sports stories of 2020, and we continue with No. 5...
On Sept. 2, Tom Seaver died from complications of dementia and COVID-19.
The pitcher who helped vault the Mets from lovable losers to the miracle World Champions of 1969 was quite simply the face of the franchise, the greatest Met ever, and one of the best pitchers in the history of baseball.
Seaver won three Cy Young awards during his time with the Mets and entered the Hall of Fame with a Mets cap on his plaque in 1992. His No. 41 was retired in 1988.
A man who loved telling tales of his past glory and of the times he had with his teammates, Seaver was a true student of the game who would often dissect the art of pitching. After retirement, Seaver immersed himself in a new love of his that also required intricate care -- tending to his vineyards.
Along with Mike Piazza, Seaver helped close Shea Stadium after the final game there in 2008, walking across the field and exiting through the center field fence as "In My Life" by The Beatles played.
A statue of Seaver, which was announced in June of 2019, will be unveiled outside Citi Field during the 2021 season.