FLUSHING, N.Y., April 7, 2024 – This afternoon, Mets Hall of Fame catcher Jerry Grote passed away at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin, TX. He was 81.
STATEMENT FROM STEVE & ALEX COHEN ON JERRY GROTE
“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.”
REACTION FROM JERRY GROTE’S TEAMMATES
Jerry Koosman: “He was the reason for my success. I have the photo in my home of me jumping into his arms after we won in 1969. I am heartbroken. No one was better behind the plate. He really controlled the game.”
Cleon Jones: “Jerry was a bulldog. He caught one of the greatest pitching staffs in the history of baseball. He was the glue that kept the staff together.”
Ed Kranepool: “He was the best defensive catcher in the NL when he played. Johnny Bench once told me ‘If he was on the Reds, I would be playing third base.’”
Ron Swoboda: “When someone stole a base on him, he took it personally. He was a superb catcher.”
Jon Matlack: “He was the best catcher I ever threw to. I don’t think I ever shook him off once. I had the pleasure of being his roommate on the road for a few years. It’s a sad day.”
Art Shamsky: “Without Jerry, we don’t win in 1969. It’s as simple as that. He was the best.”