Hall of Famer, Mets icon Tom Seaver dies at 75

Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers in history and a New York Mets franchise icon, has died at age 75.

Seaver died at his home in California on Monday of complications from Lewy body dementia and COVID-19, his family announced in a statement the Baseball Hall of Fame released. He had retired from public life last year after being diagnosed with dementia.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away," Seaver's wife Nancy, and daughters Sarah and Anne, said. "We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you."

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers of all time," commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Tom was a gentleman who represented the best of our national pastime."

A native of Fresno, California, Seaver started his career as a USC collegiate star. The Atlanta Braves drafted him, but MLB voided the pick because the team didn't sign the hurler until after USC's season began. The Mets then inked him to a professional contract.

In Flushing, Seaver is simply known as "The Franchise," and he's still regarded as the greatest player in Mets history. After winning Rookie of the Year in 1967, Seaver led the 1969 "Miracle Mets" to perhaps the most shocking World Series title ever, turning a laughingstock club into champions almost overnight. He helped the Mets to another surprising pennant in 1973. Seaver still owns most of the Mets' franchise pitching records from his 12-year stint with the team.

He was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in June 1977 following a contract dispute, and he continued to star while helping the Reds to the playoffs in 1979. After briefly returning to the Mets in 1983, he finished his career in the American League, suiting up for the Chicago White Sox (1984-86) and Boston Red Sox (1986).

"Tom Seaver was one of the best and most inspirational pitchers to play the game," Reds CEO Bob Castellini said. "We are grateful that Tom's Hall of Fame career included time with the Reds. We are proud to count his name among the greats in the Reds Hall of Fame. He will be missed."

Over his 20-year career, Seaver won 311 games with a 2.86 ERA and 106.0 WAR, all while recording 3,640 strikeouts, according to Baseball Reference. He ranks 18th all time in wins, sixth in strikeouts and shutouts, and seventh in bWAR.

A 12-time All-Star, Seaver won three Cy Young Awards, and he tossed a no-hitter with the Reds in 1978. He led the NL in strikeouts five times, won three ERA titles (including a sparkling 1.76 in 1971), and struck out 200-plus batters in an MLB-record nine consecutive seasons. His 10 straight strikeouts during a game in 1970 also remains an MLB record.

Seaver is one of only 10 pitchers to record 300-plus wins and 3,000-plus strikeouts. Only he and Walter Johnson retired with those wins and strikeouts totals, and an ERA below three.

Seaver was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992 after receiving a then-record 98.8% of the vote. The Mets retired his famous No. 41 in 1988, making him the first player in franchise history to receive that honor. He's also a member of both the Mets and Reds team Halls of Fame.

After his pitching career ended, Seaver ventured into broadcasting, calling games for both the Mets and Yankees. He also operated a winery in California.