Daniel Joseph "Rusty" Staub, affectionately known as "Le Grand Orange" due to his red hair, was a professional baseball player whose career spanned over two decades. Born on April 1, 1944, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Staub's journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) began when he signed with the Houston Colt .45s, later known as the Astros. He made his MLB debut at the young age of 19, quickly establishing himself as a reliable hitter.
Staub's early years with the Houston team were marked by steady improvement. By 1967, he had developed into an All-Star, showcasing his skills as a right fielder. His ability to hit for both average and power made him a valuable asset to the team. In 1969, Staub was traded to the Montreal Expos, a move that would cement his status as a fan favorite. As the first star of the newly formed Expos, Staub's performance on the field helped to popularize baseball in Canada. His three seasons in Montreal were highlighted by three consecutive All-Star selections from 1969 to 1971.
In 1972, Staub was traded to the New York Mets, where he continued to demonstrate his prowess at the plate. His tenure with the Mets was marked by a memorable 1973 season, during which he played a crucial role in the team's journey to the World Series. Despite suffering a shoulder injury during the National League Championship Series, Staub's determination saw him perform admirably in the World Series, where he batted .423.
After his stint with the Mets, Staub played for the Detroit Tigers from 1976 to 1979. During his time in Detroit, he achieved personal milestones, including a career-high 121 RBIs in 1978. Staub's consistent performance earned him another All-Star selection in 1976. Following his years with the Tigers, Staub returned to the Montreal Expos for the 1979 season, further endearing himself to the Canadian fans.
In 1980, Staub rejoined the Texas Rangers, the team that had originally signed him as an amateur free agent. However, his time with the Rangers was short-lived, and he soon found himself back with the New York Mets in 1981. Staub transitioned into a pinch-hitting role during his second stint with the Mets, where he excelled and became one of the most effective pinch-hitters in the league. In 1983, he tied the major league record for most pinch-hit RBIs in a single season with 25.
Staub's career concluded with the Mets in 1985, leaving behind a legacy of over 2,700 hits, 292 home runs, and 1,466 RBIs. His longevity in the sport and ability to adapt to different roles on the team were testaments to his skill and understanding of the game. Beyond his on-field achievements, Staub was known for his charitable work, particularly with the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, which he founded.
Rusty Staub passed away on March 29, 2018, just days before his 74th birthday.
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