Former Dodgers Catcher Passes Away

Former Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Jerry Grote has passed away at age 81 due to respiratory failure following a heart procedure. Jay Horwitz of the Mets Insider blog relayed the news via Grote’s wife, Cheryl. Grote spent two seasons with the Dodgers, but was most known for his 11 years with the Mets.

Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen released a statement following the announcement of Grote’s passing. “We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Jerry Grote. The Mets Hall of Famer was the backbone of a young Mets team who captured the heart of New York City in 1969. Known as the best defensive catcher in franchise history, he was a two-time All-Star who played 12 seasons in Flushing. We are grateful that Jerry was able to reunite with his teammates one last time during the 1969 World Series reunion at Citi Field in 2019. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheryl, family and friends.”

Grote began his career with the Houston Colt .45s (now Houston Astros) in 1963. Grote was with Houston until the end of 1965, when he was traded to New York, where he spent the majority of his playing career. With the Mets, Grote made two All-Star appearances and became a World Series champion on the 1969 “Miracle Mets” team. The Baltimore Orioles were favored to defeat the Mets in that World Series, but the Mets managed to claim the series. Grote played a big role in that win, with his ability to call pitches helping limit the Orioles to a .146 batting average.

Following his 11 years with the Mets, Grote was traded to the Dodgers in 1977. After the 1978 season, he retired. The Kansas City Royals brought him out of retirement in 1981, and he also went on to play in one more game with the Dodgers after he was released by the Royals. Grote finished his career with 39 home runs, 404 RBIs and batting .252.

Photo Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

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