Rusty Staub to throw out ceremonial first pitch for Mets’ Opening Day

The New York Mets today announced that Mets Hall of Famer Rusty Staub will throw out the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day, this Monday, April 1 prior to the 1:10 p.m. game vs. the San Diego Padres.

Staub, who turns 69 this Monday, was one of the stars of the 1973 National League champions Mets. He hit three home runs in the ’73 NLCS vs. Cincinnati in a dramatic five-game series and batted .423 with six RBI during the World Series vs. Oakland.

“It’s a thrill to represent my teammates from the 40th anniversary of our N.L. Championship club,” said Staub. “It’s particularly special given the others who will be on the field that day — the heroes in the Sandy relief effort. I was born in New Orleans and saw what storms can do to a region.”