The Seaver family announced today that Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver has recently been diagnosed with dementia. Tom will continue to work in his beloved vineyard at his California home, but has chosen to completely retire from public life. The family is deeply appreciative of those who have supported Tom throughout his career, on and off the field, and who do so now by honoring his request for privacy. We join Tom in sending warmest regards to everyone. (Statement via Hall of Fame)
…
STATEMENT FROM JEFF WILPON ON BEHALF OFOWNERSHIP AND THE METS ORGANIZATION
“We’ve been in contact with the Seaver family and are aware of his health situation. Although, he’s unable to attend the ’69 Anniversary, we are planning to honor him in special ways and have included his family in our plans. Our thoughts are with Tom, Nancy and the entire Seaver Family.”
….
So, some thoughts…so many thoughts…..
It sucks that Shamsky may have forced the hand of the Seavers. Again a lot of us knew about this, maybe not how severe, but this was “known.” I saw last night that Fox News had amplified it, and I guess the Seavers decided they needed to make a move. I will be curious to see how the rest of the 69s feel about the Shamsky book promotion. (See my weekend post for some additional thoughts.)
VERY interesting that the Seavers announced it through the Hall of Fame and not the Mets. VERY interesting. Maybe they didn’t want to diss Reds, White Sox and Red Sox fans.
And this….well…..what to even say. Horrible. Time moves on, and if time moves on long enough we’re forced to carry on without our loved ones around us. Tom isn’t gone but he’s gone to us. We’ll celebrate 1969 without The Franchise….and that’s not Stupid Wilpons, that’s just calendars.
But but but….yet another reminder to let people know you love them when they are around to be told that you love them. Don’t make Ron Santo have to die and THEN put him in the HOF. For this case, eventually, one way or another there will be a Seaver statue outside Citi Field. How about instead of waiting for Some Day (which in my guesses has always been 5 minuets after Tom dies) we put the statue up now. Like NOW this summer. Maybe Tom can’t attend – but at least do it now.
Thank you GTS for all you did, including striking me out as a kid, and letting me connect with you 40 years later about that story.
Lots more to come as I gather my thoughts.
