Losing The Franchise

By Jay Horwitz

We knew he had been sick, but it was still a shock when his daughter Sarah called me a year ago today to say that “The Franchise” had died.

I was fortunate to work with Tom Seaver as a player, announcer and club ambassador. The last time he was at Citi Field was in 2013 when he threw out the first pitch to David Wright at the All Star Game.

A few years later Jeff Wilpon, Howie Rose and I flew out for a visit at his vineyards in Calistoga, CA. We had a great lunch at his favorite deli. But for me the real memories of Tom Seaver transcend his Hall of Fame status, his three Cy Youngs and his 311 victories. What I will remember most about Tom is the great way he treated people in our offices. He always had time for everyone.

He was especially kind to Shannon Forde during the years she battled cancer. His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, but what he did away from the field was to me equally as important. He had a great heart, a great sense of humor and he cared so much for anyone who worked for the Mets. I am proud to have been his friend.