Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver has died at the age of 75. According to the Hall of Fame, Seaver — also known as "Tom Terrific" — passed away in his sleep on Monday, Aug. 31 from complications of COVID-19 and Lewy body dementia.
Seaver played six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, from 1977-'82, and also played for the Chicago White Sox (1984-'86), Boston Red Sox (1986) and spent 12 season with the New York Mets (1967-'77 and 1983).
"Tom Seaver was one of the best and most inspirational pitchers to play the game," said Reds Chief Executive Officer Bob Castellini in a statement. "We are grateful that Tom's Hall of Fame career included time with the Reds. We are proud to count his name among the greats in the Reds Hall of Fame. He will be missed."
The Cincinnati Reds mourn the death of Hall of Famer Tom Seaver. pic.twitter.com/lbRQHEmEzo
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 3, 2020
The Reds says Seaver won 75 games for the team between 1978 and 1982, and was a National League All-Star for them in 1978 and 1981.
He threw his first and only career no-hitter in 1978, when the Reds played the St. Louis Cardinals on July 16. According to the Baseball Hall of Fame, he also became only the fifth player in game history to record 3,000 strike-outs in 1981.
Other accolades include three Cy Young Awards and three National League ERA titles.
“Tom’s fierceness as a competitor was matched by his daily preparation and workout regimen,” said Tim Mead, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “Intelligent, passionate, disciplined, respectful and driven, he was as fine a pitcher as the game has seen.”
Seaver was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown in 1992, "when he was named on 98.8% of ballots cast by members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, the highest voting percentage ever received at the time," says the Hall.
And celebrities and baseball fans from across the spectrum — and team loyalties — are taking to social media to remember Seaver and his greatness.
Tom Seaver.
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 3, 2020
My dad loved him.
My brother loved him.
I loved him.
A hero to so many.
Thoughts to his entire family. pic.twitter.com/57FDkq8zja
I remember meeting Tom Seaver @ his first All-Star Game, and I knew he was a special person.He was a terrific pitcher and a wonderful friend. I was lucky to have dinner in his home in New York and in California which I remember fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) September 3, 2020
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One of my best friends ever has left us. #tomseaver Not only my friend, mentor, idol growing up. Taught me all that I know about pitching, how to be a major leaguer.
— Tom Hume (@THume47) September 3, 2020
Tom Seaver owned the pitching mound with grace and power, part artist, part dynamo. Those of us who saw him pitch will never forget it. He made a miracle happen, and an era passes with him May he Rest In Peace.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) September 3, 2020
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RIP Tom Seaver.
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) September 3, 2020
Remembering his 1978 no-hitter with the @Reds #tbt pic.twitter.com/ESorn09PlS
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I will always think of Tom Seaver's leg drive and bending of his back....and the dirty right knee from his follow through. As much as I did various batting stances of players, I always wanted dirt on my knee to be like Seaver when I pitched. #Reds pic.twitter.com/t2OLh4aiV8
— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) September 3, 2020
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Tonight baseball fans and all New Yorkers mourn in unison.
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) September 3, 2020
Tom Seaver was not only a baseball player — he was a Miracle Met who brought skill and honor to the game.
The family of New York extends our deepest sympathy to his family and fans.
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Growing up in Cincinnati, Tom Seaver was a legend. I don’t remember seeing him play but you are spoon fed stories so much that you think you did. My favorite was a Reggie Jackson quote. “Blind men buy a ticket to hear Tom Seaver pitch”. @reds
— JimiB (@jimi357) September 3, 2020
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While most people remember Tom Seaver with the Mets, he was also a Cincinnati Red from 1977-1982. In fact it was with the Reds where he pitched his one and only no hitter and where he through his 3,000th strike out. RIP to The Franchise. #TomSeaver #cincinnatireds #reds pic.twitter.com/m4JUifnI3a
— Sam Blevins (@BlevinsSam) September 3, 2020
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Tom Seaver was a larger than life baseball Icon, he embodied all that is desired in a player and a man, dedicated, loyal, sincere and fiercely competitive. Showed strength and dignity during his recent suffering. He will be missed #Mets #TomSeaver
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) September 3, 2020
