By Rich Mancuso/ Sports Editor
All Prayers For “Tom Terrific”
All Mets Fans and the entire baseball world have their thoughts and prayers for Tom Seaver. The New York Mets icon was diagnosed with dementia and late Thursday afternoon the support for “Tom Terrific” was overwhelming.
By all standards, overwhelming is expected for Seaver. And with the Mets 1969 World Series championship of 50-years upon us, of course the news means Seaver is leaving public life and will not be a part of the ceremonies and season of memory of those 1969 Miracle Mets.
The important thing is to remember Tom Seaver, whether it be a Mets fan or not. He was iconic and always will be with Mets and baseball fans in New York. We want to see Tom Seaver again and throw another pitch for that memory at Citi Field this Summer. We want to recall that terrific fastball and ability to strike out the other legends who were fortunate to be in the batter’s box when Tom Seaver was on the mound.
However, like the fighter he was on the mound, Tom Seaver will face this bigger battle. And those who know him, including the surviving members of those “Miracle” 1969 Mets, know their teammate will battle and fight with the support of family and friends.
Of all the ‘69 Mets, and there were many heroes, Tom Seaver is the one. He was Terrific and earned that name. A 12-time All-Star, Seaver was neat perfect for eight innings against the Cubs on a night at Shea Stadium.
July 9, 1969, with one out in the ninth, Jimmy Qualls singled to left-center. Perfection was not to be that night but the entire career was. A no-hitter would come later on with the Reds, but that near perfection lives as one of the top moments in Mets history.
“We’ve been in contact with the Seaver family and aware of his health situation,” said Mets CEO Jeff Wilpon in a statement. “Although he;s unable to attend the ‘69 anniversary, we are planning to honor him in a special ways and have included his family in our plans. Our thoughts are with Tom, Nancy and the entire Seaver family.”
And by all means we are not writing an obituary here. In the coming weeks and months there will be more than one book that reflects on the many takes of that ‘69 Miracle Mets team. And much of what is said, you guessed, will be about “Tom Terrific.”
Tom Seaver is still with us. He won’t be seen and that is the sad part of this. So all we need to do, Mets fan or not, offer a prayer for Tom Seaver. He deserves to be remembered this upcoming and nostalgic season.
And also always remember Tom Seaver for the Terrific contributions to the Mets and baseball. And also remember the dedication and strength. A New York baseball icon? No debate about that.
Comment: Ring786@aol.com Twitter@Ring786 Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso
Follow Us