MLB responds to the passing of four-time All-Star.

As former New York Mets star catcher John Stearns passed away at the age of 71 on Friday, the world of Major League Baseball lost one of its all-time greatest players.

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The New York Post's MLB insider and columnist Jon Heyman shared the tragic news of Stearns' passing on Twitter.

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Stearns played catcher for the Mets most of the time, although he also occasionally played first base and third base for the team.

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He spent ten seasons with New York between 1975 and 1984, appearing in 10 seasons with the team. He was named an All-Star four times, in 1977, 1979, 1980, and 1982.

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The four-time All-Star concluded his time with the Mets with 696 hits, 312 RBIs, and 46 home runs, good for a.260 career batting average.

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Just a few weeks prior, Stearns was healthy enough to take part in the New York Mets' Old Timers Day, which gave past Mets players the chance

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to be recognized on the field in front of the home crowd. It provided the fans with a final opportunity to honor the celebrity.

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Many people in the New York Mets and MLB community used Twitter to express their sorrow over Stearns' loss, demonstrating how well-liked and respected he was.

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