Besides his brother, he is survived by his sisters, Sally Johnston and Susan Tully.
Just reading between the lines here, but I was one of those Baby Boomer kids who grew up before Stonewall. I fell in love with baseball when I was 6, and with Broadway cast albums when I was 8 or 9. I wanted to be Hank Aaron, but I also wanted to be Julie Andrews. I think maybe Rusty got to do both.
1
My dad took me to my first Expos games when I was 13, and I fell in love with the game -- and with Rusty Staub. Looking back, it's hard to believe that he was with the team for only 3-1/2 seasons, because his impact on the city was incredible. He was a great ambassador for the sport, and such a gentleman on and off the field. Montrealers ADORED him. I still remember where I was on the day he was traded. I continued to cheer him from afar, but it was never the same as seeing that big guy with the red hair playing for Les Expos in tiny Jarry Park.
2
To the Editor:
Given all that Mr. Staub accomplished in his baseball career (check his statistics) and the impactful societal contribution he made following, isn't he more deserving of a headline other than "Durable Batter"?
You (and he) are better than this.
7
Wonderful guy. My sister lived next door to his restaurant on E 73rd, and my family would visit her on Sunday nights and eat at Rusty's. He would sit down and talk to us, and not in a "good for business" way....he just loved talking to people. My dad didn't know a strike from a ball, but he loved talking about anything with him.
8
I'm dating myself but I became a Mets fan as a kid in the late '60s early '70s, listening on the radio with my friend and his grandma who taught us how to score games on paper. The Amazin's had a few great early years ('69 and '73) with lots and lots of less than stellar years. The Mets taught me how to be a true fan through thick and thin. "Ya Gotta Believe!"
Rusty was a clutch hitter and good fielder but what also made him great was how he could be a big-hearted rallier in the dugout. If Rusty was playing that day, regardless of how much the Mets were losing by, they always had a chance to come back for a win. Of all the older (pre-'86) Amazin's I've enjoyed (Tommy Terrific, Kranepool, Koos, Buddy, Swoboda, Clendenon, Agee, Cleon Jones, King Kong, Sterns), the ginger headed Staub stands out.
...tipping hat to Rusty...
2
A heck of a hitter. a career 280 hitter with 2700 hits and an amazing number of walks and on base percentage, there are few teams who wouldn't want a player like that. But just as important as the stats are the facts that by all accounts he was a great guy. Do you think Albert Belle would learn French playing in Montreal? There may never be another le Grand Orange.
8
Off season in '78, saw him standing outside the Verticle Club , called out from my car "Hey Rusty, when are you coming back?!" Big smile and wave, "see you soon!"
He attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans; Gifted with talents in athletics, he used his fame to leave a legacy as "a man for others" in the Jesuit tradition."Ad Memoriam Dei Gloriam"
8
Loved him.
8
Me too.
4
Great player. Rusty Staub played right field in 1967 when I went to my first Chicago Cub game. I sat in the right field bleachers with all the other crazies throwing Sugar Babies at him. The Cubs one in the bottom of the 9th and I was hooked. Rusty was a great player and a true professional. He will be missed.
2
RIP Rusty, you were a great Mets hero from an era that I fondly recall. Even though the Mets were struggling in the years leading up to their 1986 World Series win, Rusty was always fun to watch, always gave the Mets a chance when he stepped to the plate, and always showed class.
5
Sad, sad news. Rusty was a great player especially in the clutch, but more importantly an extrodinary person. I still wonder what might have been had he not dislocated his shoulder in '73. RIP Le Grand Orange.
4
I knew Rusty's nickname, but had forgotten its etymology in Quebec, as well as his learning French for the fans. On top of all that, a great cook!
Color me red and old as I can remember his MLB debut with the Colt .45s. Times change.
Au revoir, Le Grand Orange. A dieu vous comant.
7
Awww, Rusty! Gone too soon. He made quite an impression on me, a diehard and devoted fan back in my teens to early 20s. When a broadcaster for the Mets, he provided seasoned insights from a smart player's viewpoint.
5
RIP, Grande Orange
5
That was a man one admired for his humanity over athletic prowess, which was great.
Maybe the unacknowledged Jackie Robinson of gays. He was a man among men, such that he altered the way I perceived others of his tribe.
8
I'm a diehard Yankees fan, but I must say that Rusty Staub was a great player and an even better person. Rest in peace, dear soul.
14
Wonderful player, wonderful person. Rusty ruled our hearts.
10
I played hooky from high school to go to Game 4 of the 1969 World Series. Gone in one month -- Le Grand Orange and Ed Charles. Good men, good lives. Thank you, gentlemen and let's go Mets.
10
One of the nicest Gentleman I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. The world needs many more Rusty Staubs.
11
Loved watching him play at Shea when I was a kid. He always seemed like a genuinely great guy. He's in this Mets fan's Hall of Fame (with Gil Hodges!). RIP.
6
With warmth and charisma in spades, Rusty was one of those naturally lovable players. There was almost a nobility to the way he carried himself.
Although he spent time with a few other teams, as a Mets fan from the beginning, I will always consider him one of ours. Having him spend his last few seasons back in New York, with his clutch hitting off the bench, was a great treat. Though he called it quits, unfortunately, one year short of the magical season, he remained a cherished presence in Metworld for years afterward as part of the broadcast team.
I'm terribly saddened to hear of his passing.
7
Very sad..a noble character
9
Saw Rusty in his rookie season with the Colt 45s. His embarrassing outfield errors were forgiven because the kid could hit.
2
Attended high school with Rusty and vaguely remember that his senior year for every three at bats one of them was a home run.
6
I saw Rusty hit several home runs in Durham when i was at Duke and then at Shea as a New Yorker. He was a joy and will be missed.
2
Rusty and The Glider…
This Mets fan since '62 has tear in the eye and lump in throat just now.
I'm forever a happy little boy whenever I remember the Boys of Summer.
10
I've followed Rusty since his early Houston days. Nothing to remember but class, on and off the field.
7
His selflessness,professionalism and kindness towards everybody he met, both on and off the field, will always be remembered. His charitable organizations have helped so many people over the years that he'll be remembered for that, as well as his time playing baseball. RIP Rusty. God has another angel.
13
He was a pinch-hitter when he returned to the Mets in the Eighties. When he stepped up to the plate, you just knew he would figure out a way to get to first base.
8
So true! Rusty had a knack for pinch-hitting for sure. I wish the Mets could delve into what made him so good and try to replicate it with their younger players.
2
A good man who helped a lot of people, more than most people in this world. 1984 at Shea, I saw you play, thanks for the memories.
9
Rusty was the best. Back in the 70’s when my son was a little boy he loved going to Mets games and watching Rusty, he wanted to be a Met, just like Rusty! He once wanted me to paint Rusty’s number on the back of his baseball helmet and choose my most Orange fingernail polish to paint it with, of course I did. Later he asked if I could dye his hair orange so he could hit better, he was maybe 5.
Rusty was the best, not just because of his baseball talent and stats...but mostly for the humanity he practiced with his many charitable efforts, in New York City. I met him once at a Upper Westside Community event, he could not have been nicer!
It is time the Hall of Fame took notice of this remarkable baseball playing humanist! Elect Rusty Staub
to the Hall of Fame on the next vote!
18
Home town boy made us proud. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. He always carried himself with dignity and grace. Oh, and what a presence in the ballpark.
5
He was a natural line drive hitter, something not seen any more in the modern era of swinging for the fences. As if that weren't enough, he was a restauranteur.
We will miss both his hits and his food. So long, Rusty. I hope they have ballfields in heaven.
4
So long, Rusty, you will always hold a special place with other names from my childhood: Seaver, Grote, McGraw, Millan, Harrellson, Shamsky, Kranepool, Koosman, Matlack, Agee... I'll remember, you're on hallowed ground.
9
It is opening day and Montreal still has the most loyal and knowledgeable baseball fans on the planet. Baseball left Montreal because corporate America would not adjust to Quebec's democracy which demanded nothing so much as a adjustment to respect Quebec's language and culture.
Rusty understood, he did what he knew to be right. He will always be Le Grand Orange. He will be missed.
12
Between Gog and Magog: would that be Deauville, Rock Forest or Ste. Catherine de Hatley?
1
Very sad to hear of Rusty's passing. He was a Montreal gem and will not soon be forgotten. RIP.
4
One of my Mets hero’s for sure. RIP Rusty
2
I was fortunate enough to be in his seatmate on many flights from Newark to West Palm Beach. His back was giving him much trouble, but he was doing what he loved. Giving to those in need. He may have missed out on the HOF for his on-field abilities, he hit a grand slam exemplifying what matters most......a caring human being.
16
Rusty was a great player and apparently a decent man as well. RIP Rusty.
3
Another of my NY Mets childhood heroes departs...
5
In the days of me loving the Mets and watching their televised games I was a huge fan of the 'big orange'. To me he was the perfect baseball character. He was fun to watch, he delivered in dramatic and skilled ways.
And he was kind of heart and thoughtful.
I went to one of his restaurants to support his dream of owning them. Secretly of course I'd hoped to meet him.
Those were the days.
RIP Rusty. My condolences to his survivors and my hope that his life well lived was all he wised it to be.
And at last, thanks for adding your own brand of character to the game.
16
Staub is a throwback to a better time and a better quality athlete. Today's players should adopt their often churlish ways to what Staub exemplified.
14
Rusty was always a favorite of mine to watch on the field and listen to in the booth. He was a true baseball sportsman that brought honor and respect to the game and one of my hero's as kid growing up. Those were the glory days of BB I will always remember and am thankful to have experienced during the time of Rusty Staub. Those were also the good old days with Ralph Kiner, Rusty Staub and Tim McCarver commentating and with Joe Torre coaching the 80s Mets. I will never forget you Rusty and will miss you. Thank you for all the fun and joy you brought to so many of us.
11
In the stifling heat of the summer of 1980 I was playing piano and singing at Tiburon, Arlington's brand new and most popular restaurant/club - located literally next door to Arlington Stadium. One night Rusty came in with some teammates, and I told him how he was my grandfather's favorite Mets player, and at the first Mets game I ever went to at Shea Stadium he crashed into the wall to make a spectacular catch. He asked if my grandfather was still alive and I told him that he had died about 5 years before, but my mom carried on the tradition by being a Mets fan. Before he left the restaurant, he came up to the piano with a gift for my mom - a promo card with his photo on it, and he wrote that he was sorry to hear my grandfather died, but was so glad my mom was still a fan and followed his career. He further told her that she should be proud of me, and that I was a talented musician. I could not get over his generosity of spirit. I'll always remember him bursting into the restaurant, bigger than life, and taking over in the kitchen. He would make food for his teammates and friends, and the kitchen staff loved to see and interact with him, not something a typical kitchen staff is prone to do. It just goes to show the positive impact he had on people, and what a big heart he had. He will be truly missed - farewell Le Grand Orange...
81
Rusty was also a pretty good high school athlete as well. He reminded me more of a Kevin McHale type who just happened to be an outstanding baseball player. he is an example of how to maximize your talent and use your fame to help others in all sorts of ways. He lead without fanfare and we are all richer for it.
8
I remember my Father taking me to Shea as a kid, in the early '70's to watch the Mets. Rusty was my favorite. The first time entering Shea and seeing the players that I had only seen on a grainy TV, and there they were, real people. Thanks, Rusty. May you rest in peace. Let's go Mets!
10
When you see how much he accomplished and his concern for fellow man you just see a classy great man.Thank You for a life so decent.
17
I remember seeing Rusty play for the Detroit Tigers in the late 1970s as a kid. As he ambled up to the plate he looked like anything but an athlete. Then he swung the bat at a fastball and sent it into the left field seats like a bullet. From that point on he was one of my favorite players.
8
Perhaps the best comment on Rusty Staub is that no one here has a bad word to say about him. He was a class act all the way.
103
Agreed!! Good man and a big loss.
11
A life well done! Rest in Peace.
12
Man he could square up a baseball, one of the best contact hitters ever. But he couldn’t run a lick. I seen him hit a drive off the wall at the 440 mark in the old Tiver stadium, he almost got thrown out at first. I’ll never forget la grande orange.
13
I remember watching this man play baseball as a kid. I wasn't able to express it then, but looking back I now know that I appreciated how he played seemingly effortlessly. Watching him catch a ball was like watching poetry in motion and it was fascinating to me. Over the years whenever I thought Mets, I thought Rusty Staub.
23
I remember watching Rusty at the Polo Grounds playing in a game between two very, very bad teams. As a Colt-45, he wasn't yet an accomplished player, but he did, however, stand out during batting practice with his capless red hair. Mr. Staub would go on to become a great clutch hitter; at those times when the opposing pitcher is bearing down, needing an out late in a close game. His postseason in '73, along with watching Willie Mays as a Met in the World Series, will fondly stay with me. Au revoir, Le Grande Orange!
7
Le Grand Orange...in our hearts forever!
11
In April of 1969, when I was 12 years old, my dad took me to the Mets' home opener which happened to be the first game ever for the Montreal Expos. We had seats just behind the Expos dugout and I vividly recall watching Rusty Staub take that patented "stroll" of his to the batters' box. He had such a wonderful hitting stroke. I believe (later "we believe" became an iconic Mets' slogan on that 1973 pennant winning team) Tommie Agee hit a home run in that opener. Of course, 1969 proved to be a truly magical year for the Mets. Had Staub been in his prime today, he'd easily be a $15M per year player. Staub was a true mensch. RIP!
26
Ya Gotta Believe!
Tug McGraw.
2
Sad day for me!! Great Pal! We worked together during Sports Channel broadcast days - Ralph, Fran, Keith -, hanging out at Rusty's on 5th - Rusty At The Plate Show really memorable times -, Pelham GC Sports Channel Annual Golf outings, golfing and drinking our way thru Ireland trip and recently Jupiter FL - handicaps out the window, always enjoyed taking money off himself - !! Hail fellow, kind & generous even before his charitable for Windows & Orphans. Couldn't make the last trip to Ireland. Now wish I had! See ya Pal ...
11
Very sad news. Thank you for the memories, Rusty. You were a class act and you will be missed.
13
Le plus grand joueur de l'histoire des Expos. As a kid, I remember that we love him because he is one the only player speaking French!
33
Enfin! Merci NY Times pour la publication de ce commentaire en français.
9
One of my great "only in New York" moments was sharing a cab with Rusty Staub. We both went for it, and he got it...then asked if he could drop me anywhere. we rode uptown and had a pleasant chat about baseball and NYC. And he wouldn't take the money I tried to hand him when I got out. It was a small glimpse of the Grand Orange. Rest (and hit) in power, sir.
93
Kathleen Warnock New York City - Your's was the warm tribute that brought tears to my eyes. He was giant of man. A real man. Rest in peace Rusty.
12
Professional sports should require all players to learn about character and conduct from Rusty Staub's example. These are qualities sorely missing in most sports today. What a man.
34
Wonderful to learn what a class act he was off the field as well as on it. We knew him only as a great ball player for the Mets.
21
Rusty was a classy player and nice guy with flair. Baseball needs players like him!
20
My entire youth was colored by the 1970's Mets and 'Le Grand Orange'.
Rusty Staub was and is Mr. Met as much as any New York Met, although apparently he was obviously Mr. Montreal Expo, too.
What a magnificent hitter, pinch-hitter, fielder...and even more magnificent human.
Thank you, Rusty Staub !
58
RIP Mr. Staub.
While I was a Red Sox fan as a kid, I remember the power of Rusty Staub's bat!
14
Borderline Hall of Fame credentials, but a unanimous first balloter for his philanthropic contributions off the field.
Childhood hero of ours growing up in Detroit when we were talented Little Leaguers imitating our favorite hometown players. His unique batting stance choking way up the bat made him an easy choice to emulate. Tigers didn't win much then but there's nothing like rooting for your home team's players when you're a young kid of eight to twelve. Years later I enjoyed catching glimpses of him announcing Mets games as an undergraduate at Columbia.
Thanks for all the memories. Even more importantly, thanks for all the charitable endeavors. Mets and mensch sound awfully alike today.
46
Rusty Staub was a great ballplayer and a greater human being. As a kid in 1969, I watched him from the bleachers or the first base line at Parc Jarry. He was always generous with autographs and patient with our questions. The Expos were not a good team that first year (52-110), but Rusty helped to make the summer a lot of fun for us. He was a total class act and will be missed.
6
Not only was he a great baseball player (GREAT childhood memories for my family), but a humanitarian as well. Rest in Peace, Rusty.
20
Makes you miss the days when athletes more often fulfilled the image and role of true heroes. I'm said to hear this news, but a life well lived- he gave more than he took.
41
Met him when he was an Astro, very friendly and generous with his time. Was always one of the favorite players in Houston.
14
My two friends Jimmy ,& Dave just loved working @ Rusty's. Jimmy has since passed on.Dave will feel the sorrow ,but will have a smile when he thinks of his two friends ,Jimmy,& Rusty.
14
Rusty Staub could wake up at 3 in the morning in the dead of winter and a snow blizzard and could easily line a double into the gap. RIP, Rusty. It was a true pleasure watching you play.
17
You omitted his most incredible statistic: Staub is the only player in the HISTORY of baseball to get 500 hits with four different teams.
Come on home, Rusty, they're waving you in.
109
Though slow of foot, Rusty will be safe at home by a mile.
5
Your final sentence made me weep. Wonderfully said.
7
Me too Colleen.
4
At one time (and probably still) the only ballplayers to hit a home run in the major leagues before age 20 and after age 40 were Ty Cobb and Rusty Staub.
30
What a great hitter matched by his outgoing personality and that red hair. Would have probably been in the Hall of Fame had he stayed in the AL and been permitted to be a DH. That would have easily allowed him to surpass 3000 career hits.
But more than anything it's his humanitarian deeds that he should be remembered for. RIP
9
a true met a true new yorker.. young athletes could a lot from rusty..
both on and off the field.. r.i.p. le grand orange
13
Rusty was an a All-Star on and off the field. RIP.
8
Somehow, I believe, the keeper of the Pearly Gates will not be using Baseball-Reference.com to determine Rusty Staub’s ultimate reward. He will be looking at the ledger listing all of the charitable good works this person been a part of for most of his life. He touched so many that way. Rest in Peace, Rusty.
24
Sad day for Met fans. Once night, while dining at Rusty's on 73rd, our meal was significantly delayed. Staub sitting at the bar, noticed the delay, came over to my wife and I apologized and sent us a bottle of wine. The man had class. RIP Le Grande Orange and thanks!
17
Rusty Staub with 499 doubles missed only by 1 to be in the club of the 63 players with 500 doubles and more. He also had his three best seasons with the Expos. And yes he had class and as a francophone I appreciated very much the fact that he learned french. He was also in a commercial for a soft drink named, you will guest, Orange Crush when he was playing with the Expos.
Rest in Peace Rusty.
20