NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Legendary Mets pitcher Tom Seaver has chosen to retire from public life after being diagnosed with dementia, his family said in a statement released by the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Thursday.
Seaver, 74, will continue to work in the vineyard at his home in California.
"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," the statement read. "We join Tom in sending warmest regards to everyone."
Seaver, who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992, is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and played in the major leagues from 1967 to 1986, pitching for the Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox.
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The Hall of Famer helped lead the Mets to their first World Series title in 1969.
The team is honoring the "Miracle Mets" during a three-game series in June. Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said while Seaver won't be able to attend the 50-year anniversary celebration, the team will honor him in special ways and include his family in the plans.
Hall-of-famer Mike Piazza reacted to the news, calling Seaver "the heart and soul of the Mets."
Seaver's No. 41 was retired by the Mets in 1988.