MLB notebook: Hall of Famer Seaver has dementia

[March 08, 2019]  The family of Tom Seaver announced Thursday that the Hall of Fame pitcher was recently diagnosed with dementia and is retiring from public life.

According to the statement, released through the Baseball Hall of Fame, Seaver will continue work in his vineyard in Calistoga in California's wine country.

According to MLB.com New York Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, the team was hoping Seaver could attend a 50th anniversary celebration of the 1969 Miracle Mets but confirmed that in light of Thursday's news, he will not. Seaver spent 12 seasons with the Mets en route to compiling a 311-205 record with a 2.86 ERA in 20 seasons.

"We've been in contact with the Seaver family and are aware of his health situation," Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said in a statement. "Although he's unable to attend the '69 Anniversary, we are planning to honor him in special ways and have included his family in our plans."

--Another simulated game, another home run for Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper.

The recently signed free agent began his day at the plate by hitting an opposite field home run off Class A right-hander Gustavo Armas at the Phillies' minor league complex in Clearwater, Fla. In a simulated game Wednesday against Phillies right-hander Jerad Eickhoff, Harper hit a home run on a first-pitch curveball.

In 12 at-bats against four minor league pitchers Thursday, he put six balls in play, including a double down the right field line, a single up the middle and a broken-bat blooper to left center. Harper is expected to play his first exhibition game Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays in Clearwater.

Former New York Mets pitcher Tom Seaver waves during a celebration of the 40th anniversary of their 1969 World Championship before the Mets played the Philadelphia Phillies in their MLB National League baseball game in New York August 22, 2009. REUTERS/Ray Stubblebine

--Outfielder Carlos Gomez signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets and joined the team at spring training.

Gomez has played 12 big-league seasons and had other offers to begin his 13th, he said Thursday. The 33-year-old hit .208 with nine home runs on a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays last season.

This would be a second tour with the Mets for Gomez, who made his MLB debut with the team in 2007 and has also played for the Brewers, Rangers, Twins and Astros.

--Field Level Media

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