John Stearns, a four-time National League All-Star during his 10 seasons with the New York Mets, died Thursday night at the age of 71 in Denver, the team announced.
Stearns, who had attended the Mets' Old Timers' Day at Citi Field last month, had prostate cancer.
Stearns entered the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1974 after being selected with the No. 2 pick in the 1973 amateur draft. After appearing in just one game, he was traded to the Mets that offseason as part of a six-player deal that saw pitcher Tug McGraw head to the Phillies.