Rusty Staub passed away at age 73.

[FSogol]

Known as Le Grand Orange, he was the first star for the Montreal Expos, but was a well-know Met too. He played 23 seasons in the majors.

Why post about a ball player in GD?

After his playing days, Staub set to work on helping those less fortunate than he’d been in life, establishing the Rusty Staub Foundation, whose mission to this day is to “give children the opportunity to live full, happy and productive lives and to give aid to the hungry.” Established in 1985, the RSF has established pantries around New York City and, to date, has raised more than $17MM for like-minded organizations, per the RSF’s web site. Staub also established the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, which, as Madden notes in his column, has raised more than $112MM in total contributions since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Madden’s column provides a terrific, heartfelt look at Staub’s legacy both on and off the field and stands as an excellent tribute to a beloved baseball figure.

Rest in piece, Mr. Staub, you'll be missed.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/rusty-staub-beloved-mets-icon-dead-73-article-1.3902929
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/rusty-staub-passes-away.html

[malaise]

1. K & R for visibility

Get thee to the greatest page

Thank you Rusty Staub.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. The Red Rooster

Was in Houston on Business one time back in the 90's and we went to a restaurant and he was there. People were FLOCKING to his table. He smiled and signed autographs for at least 40 minutes, even though they were done eating.

That just seemed a cool thing to do.

[SidDithers]

3. DU rec...

My first ball glove was a Rusty Staub model.

Sid

[FSogol]

4. Very cool. n/t

[blockhead]

27. mine was too!

[shenmue]

5. Rest in peace. He was playing for the Mets at the first baseball game I ever saw, in 1977

[Old Vet]

30. Oh geez, he was a star on and off the field. I also saw Rusty during my first Mets game live....

What a loss, The world is less good without him...

[The Polack MSgt]

6. RIP Mr. Staub

A legend who was just - in my grandfather's words - "eehhh, he's a pretty solid player" for over 2 decades.

His personality and genuine goodness always shone through and everyone could sense it

[Mr. Ected]

7. One of my childhood heroes

I had every one of his Topps baseball cards growing up.

I had the nickname "Rusty" back then, and I got razzed ferociously for it, so just knowing there was a famous Rusty made it a little easier.

[SHRED]

8. Sounds like a great guy

RIP

[mountain grammy]

9. Thank you. He was a man worthy of praise.

From the NY Mets:

“The Mets family suffered another loss earlier today when Daniel “Rusty” Staub passed away in a West Palm Beach Hospital after an illness. He was almost as well known for his philanthropic work as he was for his career as a baseball player, which spanned 23 seasons. There wasn’t a cause he didn’t champion. Rusty helped children, the poor, the elderly and then there was his pride and joy The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund. A six-time All-Star, he is the only player in major league history to have collected at least 500 hits with four different teams. The entire Mets organization sends its deepest sympathy to his brother, Chuck, and sisters Sue Tully and Sally Johnson. He will be missed by everyone.”

My sentiments too.. rest in peace, Mr. Staub. A life well lived.

[CanonRay]

10. Is my memory faulty, or did he not also play for the Astros as well?

[FSogol]

11. Yes from 1963-1968.

He was traded from the Astros to Montreal in 1969 for Jesus Alou and Donn Clendenon. Clendenon refused to report because he hated the manager, so the Expos had to add Jack Billingham, Skip Guinn and $100,000 to complete the trade. Clendenon was at Morehouse college with MLK jr.

Of course, they were the Houton Colt 45s from 1962-1964.

[George II]

23. Clendenon was later traded to the Mets that year and was the World Series MVP....

...I can still see those two catches!

[amb123]

26. Don't you mean Tommie Agee?

Clendenon was the hitting star for the Mets.

[George II]

28. Damn, here I am going on about how I can still see those catches, and I have the wrong guy!!!

Clendenon was their first baseman. He hit three home runs (still a record for a 5-game series) and .357

[gademocrat7]

12. RIP, Rusty Staub

A good man who made a difference in this world.

[oasis]

13. Rusty passes on Major League Baseball's Opening Day. His day.

Rest in peace.

[malaise]

16. What great timing

Great spot.

[oasis]

18. I have no doubt he'll get the appropriate tribute at every stadium.

[louis-t]

14. He was a Detroit Tiger for a few years.

[irisblue]

15. Detroit Tigers too, 76 to 78. What a hitter he was.

I took Jake to a game when he played.

[kairos12]

17. I saw him play with the Astros. Great hitter.

[Javaman]

19. Rest in Peace Mr. Staub. nt

[Different Drummer]

20. For anyone who might be interested...

the following is a link to Rusty Staub's career stats. May he RIP!


https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/staubru01.shtml

[chelsea0011]

24. Man, 500 hits with 4 different teams. Always had his fans saying he should be in HOF.

[George II]

21. He was a favorite in NY the first day he stepped out of the dugout at Shea Stadium.

I don't think there was a person in baseball, even his opponents, who didn't like him.

Quick story - years ago we were in Manhattan for an event not far from his restaurant, Rusty's. The event was cancelled so we went to have a quick dinner and a couple of beers at the bar.

Of course, the television had the Mets playing against Montreal. Well, it was the bottom of the ninth and the Mets were trailing. Out comes Rusty to pinch hit. What did he do? Hit a home run to win the game, and the place went CRAZY! Of all places to be for that.

Sad that he's now gone, we all loved him.

[Marty Marzipan]

22. RIP Le Grand Orange!

... this makes me miss baseball in French!

[bigbrother05]

25. Saw him play for the OKC 89ers

Then he went back up to the Astros. Closest thing to MLB game I've attended.

He's always been a class act.

[DownriverDem]

29. A Detroit Tiger too!

RIP Rusty!

[marble falls]

31. Twenty-three years in the game is a heck of an accomplishment itself. His post baseball life...

was even more of an accomplishment.

[LenaBaby61]

32. I remember him ....

May he Rest In Power

[TeamPooka]

33. I met Rusty when he was a Met and he was really nice. nt

[hibbing]

34. Had no idea about the foundation, thanks for posting this n/t

[sellitman]

35. He was a great ball player

And a better human.

Thanks for the memories.
RIP