Major League Baseball

Former Mets star Rusty Staub throws out 1st pitch

Published Oct. 12, 2015 8:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW YORK (AP) Former Mets star Rusty Staub has thrown out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the NL Division Series less than two weeks after having a heart attack.

The 71-year-old six-time All-Star walked slowly out to a spot about 25 feet from home plate Monday night and bounced a soft throw to third base coach Tim Teufel as Mets fans cheered before New York faced the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Staub became ill on a flight from Ireland to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, and the Mets said the plane was diverted back to Ireland, where Staub was treated.

Staub played nine of his 23 seasons for the Mets over two stints in the 1970s and 1980s. An outfielder, first baseman and pinch hitter, he is a member of the Mets Hall of Fame.

Staub has remained popular with Mets fans. His foundation raises money for the families of New York police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.