I know many young Mets fans might not have heard of Jerry Grote. The starting catcher for the World Champion New York Mets team in 1969 and pennant winning team in 1973 was one of the most respected players in his day. Back in the day catchers ran the defense and handled the pitchers on the field. Hall of Fame players and managers Grote played with included Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Yogi Berra and Gil Hodges. They all considered Grote of the the Met's most valuable assets. Grote was a two time National League All Star. Steve Cohen owner of the Mets said: "He was the backbone of the young Mets Team that captured the heart of New York City in 1969."
Grote's wife Cheryl announced his passing on social media yesterday. He died at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin. He was 81 years old. I was one of his friends on Facebook. He was posting regularly up until last week. My heart is very heavy this morning.
Source: PIX11
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