John Stearns – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

John Stearns, who fans knew as the “Bad Dude,” made his mark in baseball during a wild decade with the New York Mets from 1975 to 1984. This gritty catcher from Denver brought a football player’s mindset to the field, mixing fierce defense with surprising speed that broke records behind the plate.

Stearns hung up his cleats in 1984 after his last season with the Mets. He’d earned four All-Star nods and gave fans plenty to remember, especially during some of the team’s tougher years.

People at Shea Stadium loved his mix of athleticism and toughness. He played hurt, hustled every inning, and never seemed to quit, even when the Mets were down and out.

Let’s dig into Stearns’ journey, from being a two-sport college standout to one of the most respected catchers of his time. His early achievements, pro debut, big league moments, and later move into coaching all show the kind of dedication and grit that made baseball in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s so much fun to watch.

Early Life and Athletic Background

John Hardin Stearns grew up in Denver, Colorado, in a family that basically lived and breathed sports. Sports shaped his childhood, and he quickly stood out in high school, eventually landing a scholarship to the University of Colorado. There, he played both football and baseball, excelling in both.

Family and Upbringing in Denver

John was born on August 21, 1951, in Denver, Colorado, to Carle and Joan Stearns. His dad, Carle, played football at the University of Colorado and University of Denver before becoming a teacher in Denver’s schools.

The Stearns family really was all about sports. “I grew up in a family where sports were just part of our culture,” John once said. His dad even coached at Denver East High School for years.

John’s siblings were just as athletic. Bill, his older brother, caught in the Yankees’ system from 1971 to 1977. Rick, the younger brother, played linebacker for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Even his sister, Carla, starred as a catcher in softball at the University of Northern Colorado. Growing up in that kind of environment gave John the drive and edge he’d need for the future.

High School Sports Achievements

At Thomas Jefferson High in Denver, Stearns starred in three sports. He played quarterback and running back and was a force in baseball too. Coaches and teammates noticed his leadership and athleticism early on.

In 1967, he led both football and baseball teams to state championships. By 1968, he landed on the UPI All-State Class AAA football team.

He didn’t start as a catcher in high school. “I was an all-league shortstop in Denver,” he said in 1978. “My senior year, the catcher got kicked off the team, and the coach told me, ‘It’s got to be you, John. You’re the best athlete we have.’”

His high school years were so impressive that the Colorado High School Athletic Association later inducted him into their Hall of Fame. The Oakland A’s also noticed and drafted him in the 13th round in 1969, when he was just 17.

College Years at University of Colorado

Stearns turned down the A’s and took an athletic scholarship to the University of Colorado. He followed his dad’s path and became a two-sport star for the Buffaloes.

On the football field, he played defensive back and punter, setting several school records. His 1972 season was wild—he intercepted 16 passes, a record that still stood as of 2017. He earned first-team All-Big Eight honors and took home the team MVP award.

The Buffalo Bills picked him in the 17th round of the 1973 NFL Draft. But the Philadelphia Phillies made him the second overall pick in that year’s MLB draft, and that sealed his future.

On the baseball field, Stearns caught for the Buffaloes and led the NCAA with 15 home runs his senior year. That kind of power got him into the Colorado Buffaloes CU Hall of Fame.

He signed with the Phillies on June 15, 1973, choosing baseball over a shot at the NFL.

Draft and Transition to Professional Baseball

In 1973, both the NFL and MLB wanted Stearns. The Philadelphia Phillies grabbed him second overall in the MLB draft, while the Buffalo Bills picked him in the 17th round of the NFL draft.

MLB Draft by Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies picked Stearns right after pitcher David Clyde, making him one of that year’s top prospects.

This wasn’t his first brush with pro ball. The Oakland A’s had drafted him in 1969, but he went to college instead.

The Phillies’ high pick showed how much they valued his college performance. He’d just led the NCAA with 15 homers and set football records too.

On June 15, 1973, Stearns signed with the Phillies and officially began his pro baseball career. That decision sent him on the path to the majors.

Minor League Development and Performance

The Phillies sent Stearns to Double-A Reading right away. His first season wasn’t easy—he struggled to adjust to tougher competition.

In 67 games at Reading, he hit .241 with 3 homers and 24 RBIs. Not exactly eye-popping numbers for a top pick.

But 1974 was a different story. He started the year with Rocky Mount in high-A and batted .343 in 64 games.

That hot streak got him promoted to Triple-A Toledo. His average dropped to .266 there, but overall, he finished the year with 66 RBIs and 12 stolen bases between the two teams.

Decision Between NFL and MLB

Stearns had to pick between two pro sports in 1973. The Buffalo Bills wanted him as a defensive back, banking on his college football success.

He’d set a school record with 16 interceptions in 1972 and was a standout safety and punter.

In the end, Stearns went with baseball. The Phillies’ second overall pick was a much bigger commitment than the Bills’ 17th-round selection.

That choice changed everything for him. Baseball gave him a clearer shot at the pros, especially with his skills as a catcher and his bat.

Trade to New York Mets

Stearns debuted in the majors on September 22, 1974, against Montreal. He pinch-hit in the fifth and singled off Mike Torrez, then caught the rest of the game.

That hit was his only one as a Phillie. The team already had Bob Boone starting behind the plate, and Boone was established.

On December 5, 1974, the Phillies traded Stearns, Mac Scarce, and Del Unser to the Mets. Philadelphia got Don Hahn, Tug McGraw, and Dave Schneck in return.

The trade opened doors for Stearns with the Mets. While the Phillies saw him as expendable, the Mets saw a potential building block for their future.

Major League Career Highlights

John Stearns made a name for himself as one of the National League’s top catchers during his ten years with the Mets. He got picked for four All-Star Games between 1977 and 1982. Fans at Shea Stadium loved his hard-nosed style, and the “Bad Dude” nickname stuck.

Breakthrough With the New York Mets

Stearns landed in New York after the December 1974 trade that sent Tug McGraw to Philly. His first year, he backed up Jerry Grote and hit just .189 in limited chances.

Things changed in 1976. After a rough start and a trip to the minors, Stearns came back in September and caught fire. He racked up 18 hits in his first 13 games back, including seven hits in two games.

That surge locked up his roster spot and pushed Grote out of the starting job. By 1977, Stearns was the main guy behind the plate. The Mets traded Grote to the Dodgers in August, and Stearns took over full-time.

All-Star Selections and Key Seasons

Stearns made his first All-Star team in 1977 as the Mets’ only representative. The team finished last in the division, but by July 1st, he was hitting .314 with a .554 slugging percentage.

His 1978 season was something else. He set career highs in several categories and swiped 25 bases, breaking a National League record for catchers that had lasted since 1902.

All-Star Appearances:

• 1977: Caught the bottom of the ninth
• 1979: Selected but didn’t play
• 1980: Had his first All-Star at-bat, grounded out in the fifth
• 1982: Last selection at age 30

In 1982, Stearns stayed healthy most of the year. He hit over .300 in the first half and was on pace for almost 30 steals before an elbow injury ended his season in August.

Playing Style and ‘Bad Dude’ Persona

Stearns didn’t just get the “Bad Dude” nickname for nothing. He played with an edge that started in college and carried over to the majors.

His reputation for fighting became legendary at Shea. In 1979, he got into a brawl with Expos catcher Gary Carter after a collision at home. Carter tried to score, and Stearns thought he threw an unnecessary elbow.

In 1980, he had two moments that really showed his style. When fans ran onto the field, Stearns left his spot to tackle one of them while police struggled to keep up. Later, even though he wasn’t in the lineup, he charged out of the dugout to confront Expos pitcher Bill Gullickson.

As a Mets catcher, Stearns mixed solid defense with speed that most catchers didn’t have. His 25 steals in 1978 proved he was more than just a tough guy.

Notable Games and Memorable Moments

Stearns’ ten years with the Mets were packed with standout games and wild moments that built his “Bad Dude” legend. He got his first big league hit in his debut and made a name for himself with his defense and confrontational style, especially in showdowns with stars like Dave Parker and Gary Carter.

First MLB Hit and Early Impact

Stearns debuted on September 22, 1974, against the Expos in Montreal. He pinch-hit in the fifth and singled off Mike Torrez. That was his only hit as a Phillie.

After the hit, he took over behind the plate for Bob Boone. Right from the start, he showed he could handle both offense and defense.

A few months later, the Mets traded for him. Stearns, Del Unser, and Mac Scarce joined New York in exchange for Don Hahn, Tug McGraw, and Dave Schneck.

Historic Mets Performances

Stearns hit his only grand slam on June 1, 1977, against the Expos. That homer led the Mets to a 6-4 win and capped a hot June where he hit .310 with a .569 slugging percentage.

In 1978, he broke the major league record for stolen bases by a catcher, swiping 25 bags. The old record had stood since 1916, when Ray Schalk stole 30.

Stearns made four All-Star teams (1977, 1979, 1980, 1982). He became the first Mets position player to earn four All-Star nods, showing his consistency even when the team struggled.

Matchups With Notable Players

People still talk about one of Stearns’ most famous defensive plays on June 30, 1978, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dave Parker tried to steamroll the Mets catcher at home plate during a wild 6-5 Mets win. Stearns kept his mask on and somehow held onto the ball, even after the violent collision sent him flying. Parker, though, ended up with a broken cheekbone.

On April 11, 1979, Stearns started a bench-clearing brawl with Montreal’s Gary Carter. Carter got called out at home plate, and Stearns felt Carter elbowed him during the collision. They started throwing punches, and pretty soon both benches emptied.

Something memorable happened on July 4, 1980, even though Stearns wasn’t in the game. Montreal rookie pitcher Bill Gullickson threw a pitch over Mike Jorgensen‘s head. Stearns charged out of the dugout, grabbed Gullickson from behind, and threw him to the ground.

Significant Team Contributions

Stearns took over as the Mets’ main catcher in 1977, replacing Jerry Grote, with Ron Hodges backing him up. He led from behind the plate and helped pitchers like Jerry Koosman through some tough seasons when the team struggled.

His best year came in 1982. He hit .293 and tied Mookie Wilson for the team lead with 25 doubles. In April, he batted .313, and in May, he hit .337 before earning his fourth All-Star nod.

Even though the Mets lost nearly 100 games a year in the late 1970s, Stearns never lost his edge. He played his final game in 1984 on September 30 against Montreal, which felt fitting since he debuted against them ten years earlier.

Statistical Overview and Playing Style

John Stearns hit .260 over his 11-year MLB career, with 46 home runs and 312 RBIs in 810 games. He played tough defense behind the plate and, for a catcher, ran surprisingly well. That combination made him stand out at his position.

Batting Average and Offensive Metrics

Stearns kept a steady .260 average throughout his career, which is pretty solid for a catcher in the ’70s and early ’80s. He really hit his stride in the late ’70s, putting up .300-plus averages for long stretches.

In 1977, by July 1st, Stearns was batting .314 with a .554 slugging percentage. He showed gap power, knocking 25 doubles and 12 home runs that season.

He hit his best numbers between 1977 and 1979, setting career highs in several offensive categories. In 1978, even with a lower average, he managed personal bests in home runs, RBIs, runs, and total bases.

Stearns got recognized as the Mets’ only All-Star in 1977, even though the team finished last in the National League East.

Defensive Skills and Stolen Bases

Stearns changed what people expected from catchers with his base-stealing. In 1978, he stole 25 bases, breaking a National League record for catchers that had stood since 1902.

He played aggressively on defense too. In 1980, he tackled a fan who ran onto the field at Shea Stadium, showing the intensity that earned him the nickname “Bad Dude.”

Growing up in Denver and playing safety at the University of Colorado gave Stearns an athletic edge. His 16 career interceptions at Colorado still stood as a record in 2021.

The Mets tried him at first base, third base, and even in the outfield during his later years, thanks to his defensive versatility.

OPS and Advanced Stats

Back in Stearns’ era, advanced stats weren’t as popular, but his .375 career slugging percentage and 1,006 total bases showed he had some pop for a catcher. He hit a lot of extra-base hits, making him valuable in a way most catchers weren’t.

He didn’t just steal bases—he did it efficiently, which was rare for a catcher. His speed forced pitchers and defenses to adjust.

Stearns made four All-Star teams (1977, 1979, 1980, 1982), which says a lot about how his peers saw his all-around game. Those selections came in seasons when he balanced hitting and defense.

Career Highlights:

• 4× MLB All-Star
• NL record for stolen bases by a catcher (1978)
• 696 career hits
• 334 runs scored

Leadership, Coaching, and Post-Retirement

After he retired in 1984, John Stearns moved into coaching and mentoring roles with several organizations. He took his leadership from the field to the dugout and helped shape younger players and teams for decades.

Mentorship and Coaching Roles

Stearns started coaching in 1986 as a minor league catching instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers. He taught up-and-coming catchers the basics and fundamentals.

The Houston Astros brought him in as a minor league catching instructor in 1988. He used his experience behind the plate to help develop young players.

In 1989, Stearns joined the New York Yankees as a bullpen coach. That was his first big league coaching job after retiring as a player.

Stearns went back to the Mets in 2000 as bench coach for manager Bobby Valentine. He brought a ton of knowledge and an understanding of Mets culture with him.

The next year, he switched to third base coach for the Mets. His playing experience really helped him guide runners and communicate with players during games.

He also worked as a scout at different points, evaluating talent and helping teams find promising players.

Relationships With Teammates and Managers

Stearns earned respect from managers like Joe Torre, who led the Mets in the late ’70s. Torre once said, “He wants so bad to be so good.”

Pitcher Jerry Koosman praised Stearns for his work ethic and growth as a catcher. Koosman noticed Stearns becoming more aggressive and smarter behind the plate.

Stearns’ tough style and leadership made him a respected clubhouse figure. People called him “Bad Dude” because of his competitive fire and willingness to back up teammates.

Sometimes his confrontational style led to wild moments. Once, he tackled the Atlanta Braves mascot Chief Noc-A-Homa during a pregame ceremony, which became legendary, though Joe Torre didn’t love it.

Even when the team lost, Stearns kept his intensity and professionalism. He once said, “I didn’t even notice the crowd. I played for the respect of my peers.”

Legacy in Mets and MLB

Stearns stayed connected to the Mets long after his playing days ended. He helped shape the organization’s culture as both a player and coach.

His 25 stolen bases in 1978 broke a major league record for catchers that had stood since 1916. That kind of athleticism was rare at his position.

He became the first Mets position player to make four All-Star teams, representing the franchise in 1977, 1979, 1980, and 1982 during some tough seasons.

Stearns’ defensive skills and leadership changed how teams looked at catchers. He showed that catchers could be athletic and contribute in many ways.

In Mets history, Stearns stands out as a key figure from the late ’70s and early ’80s. He brought stability and veteran leadership during the franchise’s rebuilding years.

Recognition and Awards

Stearns got inducted into the Colorado High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame because of what he did in high school. Years later, people still talked about how he excelled in three sports at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver.

He made the All-Star Game four times, which says a lot about his individual talent. Honestly, these honors stood out even more since the Mets really struggled during those years.

The University of Colorado celebrated Stearns for his football achievements too. His 16 interceptions in 1972 still held as the single-season school record in 2017, which is kind of wild if you think about it.

Stearns died on September 15, 2022, at age 71 in Denver after a long illness. The baseball community felt his loss, remembering him as a respected player and coach who gave so much to the game.