Tom Seaver, the greatest pitcher in Mets history, died on Monday at the age of 75.
Family sources told the New York Daily News that Seaver died at his California home due to complications from COVID-19, Lyme disease, and dementia.
“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away,” his wife Nancy Seaver and daughters Sarah and Anne told the Baseball Hall of Fame. “We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you.”
Seaver won three Cy Young Awards with the Mets, compiling 198 wins as a Met from 1967-77. The Hall of Famer was named to 12 All-Star Games during his career and helped the Mets capture the 1969 World Series title.
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Mets Legend and Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver," Fred and Jeff Wilpon said in a team statement. "Tom was nicknamed 'The Franchise' and 'Tom Terrific' because of how valuable he truly was to our organization and our loyal fans, as his #41 was the first player number retired by the organization in 1988. He was simply the greatest Mets player of all-time and among the best to ever play the game which culminated with his near unanimous induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
"Beyond the multitude of awards, records, accolades, World Series Championship, All-Star appearances, and just overall brilliance, we will always remember Tom for his passion and devotion to his family, the game of baseball, and his vineyard.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Nancy, daughters Sarah and Anne and four grandsons, Thomas, William, Henry and Tobin."
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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred also issued the following statement on Seaver's death:
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. Tom was a gentleman who represented the best of our National Pastime. He was synonymous with the New York Mets and their unforgettable 1969 season. After their improbable World Series Championship, Tom became a household name to baseball fans – a responsibility he carried out with distinction throughout his life.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Tom’s family, his admirers throughout our game, Mets fans, and the many people he touched.”
"Tom Terrific" won 16-plus games in each of his first six seasons as a Met and eight times overall with the franchise, including a 25-win season in the championship year of 1969. Seaver also pitched to an astonishing 1.76 ERA in 1971.
Seaver is the Mets' all-time leader in wins (198), ERA (2.57), innings pitched (3045.2), shutouts (44), complete games (171), and strikeouts (2541), among a number of other categories.