Who Is Tom Seaver? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tom Seaver was born on November 17, 1944, and passed away on September 2, 2020, at the age of 75. Known affectionately as “Tom Terrific,” he was a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher renowned for his exceptional skills on the mound. He played primarily for the New York Mets and is often credited with revolutionizing the pitching position during his career. His accolades include three Cy Young Awards and being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1992.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1944 |
| Age | 75 Years |
| Birth Place | Fresno, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 31 August, 2020 |
| Died Place | Calistoga, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Tom Seaver's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Seaver stood at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighed about 190 pounds (86 kg) during his playing career. His strong physique contributed to his ability to throw with power and precision, making him one of the most feared pitchers in the game. His remarkable agility and athleticism were pivotal in his enduring success as an athlete.
Seaver had four more 20-win seasons (20 in 1971, 21 in 1972, 22 in 1975, and 21 in 1977). He won two more Cy Young Awards (1973 and 1975, both with the Mets). Between 1970 and 1976, Seaver led the National League in strikeouts five times, while also finishing second in 1972 and third in 1974.
Seaver also won three earned run average titles as a Met. Two famous quotes about Seaver are attributed to Reggie Jackson: "Blind men come to the park just to hear him pitch." The second was in the 1973 World series, with the Mets up 3 games to 2, and poised to win their second championship.
Seaver started the game, but did not have his "arm" that day, and lost the game. Jackson is reported to have said "Seaver pitched with his heart that day." Seaver was known for his "drop and drive" overhand delivery, powered by his legs and trunk with his knee sinking to the ground.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tom Seaver was married to Nancy Seaver, his college sweetheart, from 1966 until his passing. The couple had three daughters: Sarah, Anne, and Delores. During his lifetime, Seaver maintained a close-knit family and often attributed his successes to the support of his wife and children. Post-retirement, he enjoyed a quieter life, devoting time to his family and philanthropic efforts.
In 1966, Seaver signed a professional contract with the Atlanta Braves, who had selected him in the first round of the secondary January draft, 20th overall. However, the contract was voided by Baseball Commissioner William Eckert because USC had played two exhibition games that year, although Seaver had not participated.
He then intended to finish the college season, but because he had signed a pro contract, the NCAA ruled him ineligible. After Seaver's father complained to Eckert about the unfairness of the situation, and threatened a lawsuit, Eckert ruled that other teams could match the Braves' offer.
The Mets were subsequently awarded his signing rights in a lottery drawing among the three teams (the Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians being the two others) that were willing to match the Braves' terms.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Tom Seaver's estimated net worth was around $10 million. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned substantial salaries, particularly during the peak of his career in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his income from baseball, Seaver made significant earnings from endorsements, appearances, and investments, including his winery in California.
On January 20, 1984, the Chicago White Sox claimed Seaver from the Mets in a free-agent compensation draft. The Mets, especially general manager Frank Cashen, incorrectly assumed that no one would pursue a high-salaried, 39-year-old starting pitcher and left him off the protected list.
Career, Business and Investments
Tom Seaver’s MLB career spanned from 1967 to 1986, during which he played for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. His remarkable skills earned him a place among the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Post-retirement, Seaver ventured into winemaking, establishing Seaver Vineyards in California’s Napa Valley. He was actively involved in the business, showcasing his passion for quality wine. His brand gained recognition and contributed to his earnings after his baseball career.
With the Mets, Seaver won the National League's (NL) Rookie of the Year Award in 1967, and won three NL Cy Young Awards as the league's best pitcher. He was a 12-time All-Star and ranks as the Mets' all-time leader in wins. During his MLB career, he compiled 311 wins, 3,640 strikeouts, 61 shutouts, a 2.86 earned run average, and he threw a no-hitter in 1978.
Social Network
Though Tom Seaver has no active social network pages currently, he had a significant following during his life. Fans and fellow players often shared memories and tributes on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. His legacy continues to inspire many in the baseball community, and various fan pages dedicated to his life and career can still be found online.
At the annual Hall of Fame induction, Seaver was part of a "club" which included Bob Gibson, Sandy Koufax, and Steve Carlton which annually brought a bottle of wine to share at a dinner held at The Otesaga Hotel.
Education
Tom Seaver attended the University of Southern California (USC) before being drafted by the New York Mets in 1966. His college career laid the foundation for his future success in professional sports. He represented USC as a standout athlete and was a crucial member of the baseball team, honing his skills that would later dominate Major League Baseball.
He attended Fresno High School and was a pitcher for the school's baseball team. Seaver compensated for his lack of size and strength by developing great control on the mound. Despite being an All-City basketball player, he hoped to play baseball in college. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on June 28, 1962.
He served with AIRFMFPAC 29 Palms, California, through July 1963. After six months of active duty in the reserve, Seaver enrolled at Fresno City College. He remained a part-time member of the reserve until his eight-year commitment ended in 1970.
