While many credit Tom Seaver’s arrival as the catalyst for the New York Mets’ journey to a World Championship, the foundation was actually laid a season earlier with the addition of catcher Jerry Grote.
Grote was a gritty, intelligent presence behind the plate, essentially serving as a manager on the field. He commanded respect, and Mets pitchers cherished throwing to him.
Despite having the opportunity to pitch to Hall of Fame catchers Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk, Seaver always regarded Grote as his favorite battery mate.
Bench himself once remarked, “If Jerry Grote was on my team, I’d be playing third base.”
Even Lou Brock, renowned for his base-stealing prowess, acknowledged Grote as “the toughest catcher in the league to run on.”
Grote played a pivotal role as the starting catcher on the New York Mets’ 1969 and 1973 World Series teams.
He held the position of the Mets’ primary catcher for 11 seasons, catching over 100 games in eight of those years. Despite enduring numerous injuries, including several broken bones, Grote often played through the pain. His return from injury was a key factor in the Mets’ remarkable comeback en route to the 1973 World Series.
In an organization boasting Hall of Fame catchers like Gary Carter and Mike Piazza among its alumni, Grote remains revered by Mets pitchers, fans, and beat reporters alike.
Despite his gruff exterior, Grote’s intense aversion to losing was often misconstrued. His departure marks another loss for the Mets family, as his influence on the team’s history, particularly their championship runs, cannot be understated.
