A team source confirmed with the Daily News that beloved Mets icon Rusty Staub will be on hand tonight at Citi Field for Game 3 of the NLDS and that he will throw the ceremonial first pitch.
Staub suffered a heart attack on a flight from Ireland to JFK airport last weekend, and his flight was diverted back to Shannon Airport in Ireland where Staub was tended to by emergency medical personnel.
It will be great to see Rusty tonight and what a wonderful way to begin what should be an amazing night of playoff baseball.
October 3
Mets icon and star of the 1973 NL Championship team, Rusty Staub, suffered a heart attack during a flight from Ireland.
The following is a statement just released by the team:
“Rusty Staub experienced a medical emergency on a flight from Ireland to JFK. The flight was diverted back to Ireland where Rusty is now resting comfortably in a hospital. The prognosis is good and Rusty and his family ask that we respect his privacy during this period. He is in the thoughts and prayers of the Mets organization.”
United Airlines flight 24 had left Shannon Airport in Ireland and was over an hour into its journey when the crew turned around to get Rusty to medical personnel. The Boeing 757 jet touched down safely and was met at the terminal by ambulance and paramedics.
One of the most beloved personalities in Mets history, our prayers and thoughts go out to Rusty, and we wish him a very speedy recovery.
