Former New York Mets catcher John Stearns, a four-time MLB All-Star, died Thursday at the age of 71.
New York MetsWe are deeply saddened by the passing of former Met John Stearns. <a href="https://t.co/Bxh4o8rY4V">https://t.co/Bxh4o8rY4V</a> <a href="https://t.co/L860TPMU6j">pic.twitter.com/L860TPMU6j</a>
Stearns played for the Mets from 1975 through 1984 after starting his career with one season as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1974. He later served as a coach for the Mets, New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles.
The Colorado native was a 13th-round pick of the Oakland Athletics in the 1969 MLB draft. He instead honored his commitment to the University of Colorado, where he was a standout two-sport athlete for the Buffaloes' football and baseball teams.