httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQnHzwoukSQ
NEW YORK – Rusty Staub, the orange-haired outfielder who became a huge hit with baseball fans in two countries during an All-Star career that spanned 23 major league seasons, died Thursday.
The Mets learned of the death from friends of Staub who were with him at the time, a team spokesman added.
In all, Staub hit.341 with 11 RBIs in his only postseason, a clutch and gritty performance that endeared him to Mets fans forever.
New York traded Staub to Detroit in December 1975, and he made his final All-Star team with the Tigers in 1976.
Staub re-signed with the Mets before the 1981 season and was a player-coach for them in 1982.
Only 11 days after suffering a heart attack – Staub was revived by doctors and nurses aboard a flight as it returned to Ireland – he threw out the first pitch at Citi Field before a Mets playoff victory in 2015.
At the end of his distinguished career, Staub founded the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.
Staub also has helped serve up meals to thousands of hungry and homeless people at food pantries all over New York City through Catholic Charities, with funds from his annual golf tournament and wine auction dinner.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Daniel Joseph Staub was called Rusty because of his bright red hair.