Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver dies after battle with dementia

The greatest pitcher in New York Mets history and one of the greatest in baseball history has died.

Tom Seaver, known as "Tom Terrific," died Monday at the age of 75. He had battled dementia in recent years, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved husband and father has passed away," his wife Nancy Seaver and daughters, Sarah and Anne, said in a statement. "We send our love out to his fans, as we mourn his loss with you."

Seaver was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1992, appearing on 425 of 430 ballots.

The flame-throwing righty won three Cy Young Awards (1969, 1973 and 1975) and went to the All-Star Game 12 times.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Tom Seaver, one of the greatest pitchers of all-time," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "Tom was a gentleman who represented the best of our National Pastime. He was synonymous with the New York Mets and their unforgettable 1969 season. After their improbable World Series Championship, Tom became a household name to baseball fans -- a responsibility he carried out with distinction throughout his life."

Seaver pitched for the Mets from 1967 to 1977, when a surprise midseason trade sent him to the Cinicinnati Reds. He would return to the Mets for one season in 1983, but failed to reclaim his prior dominance. He finished his career with short stints for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox.

He finished with 311 wins, 18th all-time, and 3,640 strikeouts, sixth all-time. His ERA was over 3.00 only once in the first 12 seasons of his career.

He won his only World Series with the 1969 Miracle Mets, but had a 2.77 ERA in three postseason appearances.

Only Greg Maddux (four), Steve Carlton (four), Randy Johnson (five) and Roger Clemens (seven) won more Cy Young Awards in their careers.