The Jackie Robinson Foundation mourns the loss of Mets icon and true friend of JRF, Daniel “Rusty” Staub. All of us at the Jackie Robinson Foundation extend our sincere condolences to the Staub family and the Mets organization.

The only Major League player to collect 500 hits with four different teams, Staub made an impact on the field. But he made an impact off the field too.

“Rusty was so giving of his time, talent and treasure,” said Chairman Emeritus of the Jackie Robinson Foundation Board of Directors, Len Coleman. “He was always ready to stand up for causes he believed in and always willing to help. He was a great teammate for us at the Jackie Robinson Foundation.”

Debuting on Opening Day in 1963 with the Houston Colt .45s (now the Astros), Staub spent 23 seasons in the majors in Houston, the Montreal Expos, the New York Mets, the Detroit Tigers, and the Texas Rangers before finishing with the Mets in 1985.

Jackie Robinson said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Rusty Staub made his impact far and wide. On behalf of all of the Jackie Robinson Foundation family, we say rest in peace.