The Mets announced Friday morning that former catcher John Stearns, who earned four All-Star nods over a decade-long career with the team and also served on the Major League coaching staff from 2000-01, passed away last night at 71 years of age. He’d been battling cancer.
“No one played the game with more spirit or determination than John Stearns,” Mets president Sandy Alderson said in a statement within this morning’s press release. “He literally willed himself to attend Old Timers’ Day last month so he could visit friends and old teammates. Despite his illness, he even managed to step into the batting cage to take a few swings. His nickname, ‘Bad Dude’ couldn’t have been more appropriate. A four-time All Star, John was one of the most complete catchers in Mets history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
The No. 2 overall pick by the Phillies in 1973, Stearns was traded to the Mets alongside Del Unser and Mac Scarce in a Dec. 1974 deal that sent Tug McGraw, Don Hahn and Dave Schneck back to Philadelphia. Stearns appeared in just one game with the Phils prior to that trade and spent the other 809 games of his career with the Mets, for whom he batted .259/.341/.375 in 3081 plate appearances. Stearns was named to All-Star teams in 1977, 1979, 1980 and 1982 — his final full, healthy season in the big leagues. In his career behind the plate, he threw out 37 percent of runners who attempted to steal against him. Persistent elbow troubles, however, cut Stearns’ career short in his early 30s.
Following his playing days, Stearns spent another two decades in baseball, working as a scout, minor league manager and Major League coach between the Reds, Yankees, Orioles, Mets, Nationals and Mariners organizations. He was the bench coach for the 2000 Mets and their third base coach in 2001, and his famous, enthusiastic cry — “He’s out of the cage! The monster is out of the cage!” — following a Mike Piazza double in the 2000 NLCS will forever live on in the memories of Mets fans. Over at MLB.com, several of Stearns’ former teammates and colleagues shared fond memories following this morning’s announcement.
Our condolences go out to Stearns’ family, his friends and to his countless fans as they mourn his passing.
Peace
RIP, John Stearns, you made it to Old Timers Day, it was great to see you, thank you for going even thou you were probably in pain and sick, God Bless You, Cancer Sucks
Nice to have seen him at Old Timers Day. One of the bright spots during the lean years. He will live on in the highlight films.
I remember the game when Parker, I believe, tried to run him over at the plate. Parker was a big guy, but Stearns barely budged, and Parker dropped like a rock. I believe that Stearns played LB at Colorado, so he had the training, but it looked like he never gave the collision a second thought.
I remember that game. Didn’t Parker get injured on the play too? I think he was a DB not LB in college and drafted by the Bills.
I remember him, Steve Henderson and maybe Mazilli on Kiners Korner wearing WE CAN WIN t-shirts that I think Stearns was behind making and the slogan.
Injuries really derailed the Dudes career and usually happened unfortunately when he was on a tear. Nobody will break his Mets record of most SB for a catcher career or in one season. RIP
june 30th, 1978.
parker missed 10 games as a result.
stearns caught the next game.
John Stearns was a safety for Colorado. He was a good football player also.
Former manager of the Norfolk tides
RIP
I was pretty disappointed when the Phillies traded him to the Mets in 1974. He went on to have a pretty productive career with the Mets and Tug helped bring home a World Series in Philly. RIP. You will live forever in the Strat-O-Matic World.
Love the Strat-O-Matic reference
I had the ’77 SOM set and I used to have Stearns steal a lot!
So that’s why he got injured.
Loved him. Fantastic player with grit and determination.
Lots of speculation about his health at Old Timers. Stearns was a quality player for the Mets. He’s also remembered by Mets fans for this mic’d up comment: “He’s out of the cage! The Monster (Mike Piazza) is out of the cage! Let’s go!” – John Stearns to the boys. 2000 NLCS Game 1..
Although I wasn’t a Mets fan, Stearns was one of my favorite players as a kid and I have a baseball card of his that is still one of my favorites. He could run, throw and hit and was a true gamer. I’ll always remember him well.
As a lifelong Mets’ fan (I can say that because I was born the day they lost the 1973 World Series to Reggie Jackson’s A’s), he’s the first one I remember being selected to an All-Star Game. May his memory be a blessing.
I remember Stearns stole 25 bases one year. A lot for a catcher. He led to the John Wathan era. RIP
I remember meeting John when I was a little kid on multiple occasions at Shea. Sad to see him pass.
Rest In Peace John.
check out his walk to strikeout ratio….unheard of these days.
Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack, Stearns, Grote, Harrelson, Torre, Mazilli… all my favorite 70s Mets. God bless them for making my childhood on LI grand.
One thing I remember most about Stearns was his ability to run and steal bases. Rare for a catcher. Good player. Another player from my era passing away.
In 1979 I was at the game between the Montreal Expos and the Mets where John Stearns and future Mets catcher Gary Carter got into a fight after a home plate collision. Stearns was a tough customer and didn’t take anything from anyone. RIP, bad dude. Fiery player.
RIP
Thanks for the memories Mr. Stearn. RIP.
The one shining light for the Mets during their darkest period, after they traded Seaver in ’77 and before Strawberry came along in ’83. And that toughness he showed behind the plate came from his days as a defensive back with the CU Buffaloes.
Rest easy, Bad Dude.
I was 10 in 1977 and John Stearns was, and is, my favorite Met ever. This one hurts. Rest in peace, Dude.
Quote from Stearns about the Parker collision:
“I gathered my senses & to my surprise the ball is still nestled in my mitt, like a sleeping baby. I showed it to the umpire & the game was over. I look over at Parker & he was still on the ground, moaning from a fractured jaw.”
RIP JS
Thanks MLBTR Staff for including the Baseball Reference link!
RIP John
My favorite player as a kid
RIP
Stearns was also the Commissioner for Mets Fantasy Camp for many years. He chatted up every camper, made everyone feel like a pro, and was absolutely inimitable on the mic MCing various events. God rest him.