Tom Seaver, the most dominant and prominent player in Mets history, is stepping back from public life because of advancing dementia, his family said in a statement on Thursday. “Tom will continue to work in his beloved vineyard at his California home, but has chosen to completely retire from public life,” the Seavers said in the statement, which was released by the Baseball Hall of Fame. “The family is deeply appreciative of those who have supported Tom throughout his career, on and off the field, and who do so now by honoring his request for privacy.”Seaver’s family said he recently learned he has dementia. But for many years, Seaver, 74, has suffered from the effects of Lyme disease, which can cause cognitive problems similar to dementia. Seaver was known as the Franchise during his career with the Mets, which extended from 1967 to 1977, and a one-year stint in 1983.

Source: New York Times March 07, 2019 21:43 UTC