Former New York Mets fan favorite Rusty Staub is battling kidney failure in a West Palm Beach hospital.
New York Mets fan favorite Rusty Staub has had a number of health issues over the years. Back in 2015, he suffered a heart attack while on a flight back from Ireland, when he was revived by two doctors on board. Now, Staub is facing another health crisis, as he is battling kidney failure.
During the course of his 23 year career, Staub was a solid power threat. He produced a lifetime .279/.362/.431 batting line, hitting 499 doubles and 292 homers. Staub also had an impressive batting eye, drawing 1255 walks and striking out only 888 times in his 11,229 plate appearances.
Staub was a key piece for two expansion teams. He was a “bonus baby” with the Colt .45s, and dominated in his only full season in the minors. Playing for the Durham Bulls as an 18 year old, he produced a .293/.429/.483 batting line, hitting 23 homers and being named the Carolina League MVP. However, his power game was held down in the second Dead Ball Era, and the pitcher friendly confines in Houston.
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When the Montreal Expos came into being, Staub was traded to Canada to be a part of the new expansion franchise. However, the trade almost did not happen, as Donn Clendenon threatened to retire istead of going to Houston. Eventually, Staub joined the Expos, becoming a fan favorite as he learned French to interact with the fanbase. He was a key power source for Montreal, a beloved figure.
He continued to be a fan favorite in New York, making an impact in his only postseason appearance. In his first year with the Mets, he slugged three homers in the 1973 NLCS. Then, in the World Series, Staub had a .423/.464/.615 batting line, hitting a homer and driving in six runs.
Over the course of his career, Staub was a six time All Star, and finished fifth in the 1978 AL MVP vote. He is one of three players to hit a home run as a teenager and in his 40s, with Ty Cobb and Gary Sheffield the only other members of that club. Staub also had over 500 hits for four different teams, the only player in baseball history to do so.
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Our thoughts are with Rusty Staub and his family, as the New York Mets fan favorite is fighting kidney failure.