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Marty Noble, more extensively on Plummer:
]Longtime executive Plummer dies
06/24/2008 9:22 PM ET
By Marty Noble / MLB.com
NEW YORK -- The family members called in when word seeped out. Dwight Gooden, Tim Teufel, Joe McEwing, Mookie Wilson and Rico Brogna, among others, were moved to call the Mets' offices on Tuesday, moved to express their respect and fondness for Jim Plummer and moved to express their sadness of his passing.
Plummer, a favorite of generations of Mets, died on Tuesday morning, days after he had undergone double-organ transplant surgery. He was 57 years old. His passing was announced before the Mets played the Mariners on Tuesday night, and a moment of silence was observed in his honor.
The passing of a man who had been affiliated with the club since 1965 and in its employ since '76 unsettled the organization, because Plummer essentially was beloved by all he touched, as suggested by the words Joe Torre once used to introduce him.
Borrowing a line from an old Sara Lee marketing campaign, Torre said, "Everybody doesn't like somebody, but nobody doesn't like Plum."
Plummer began his tenure with the Mets as a batboy for the club's Class A Marion affiliate in Virginia when Nolan Ryan was in his first season as a professional. He became the team's general manager at age 18 and moved to New York and Shea Stadium in 1976. Plummer had served in a number of roles for the club. He was director of corporate sales at the time of his death.
And Plummer touched people no matter his role. When Bob Mandt, formerly the director of operations at Shea Stadium, heard of Plummer's passing, he urged Katy Fenney in Major League Baseball's office in Manhattan to get the word out to the umpires.
"The umpires loved Plum," Mandt said. "Especially Bruce Froemming."
Mandt called former general manager Joe McDonald, who hired Plummer in 1976.
"Joe Mac is 80," Mandt said. "He broke down."
"Plum was a friend who helped me get adjusted to New York," Gooden said from his home in Tampa, Fla. "He was there for me whenever I needed something, and as soon as I heard of his passing, I knew I had to be in New York for the funeral."
"Jim faced a number of health-related issues over the years, doing so with incredible perseverance, determination and the most positive outlook," Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said. "Jim's smile, warmth, kind words and caring for literally generations of colleagues touched everyone who worked with Plum during his five-decade association with the Mets. His courage and concerns for others will continue to serve as an inspiration for all of us."
Wilson, who was particularly close to Plummer, said, "People don't realize that Plum was a pioneer in his own right. He was the first and youngest minority general manager for a Minor League team. He set the trails for so many people."
And Darryl Strawberry, who presented Plummer the "Ya Gotta Believe" award at the Mets' "Welcome Home" Dinner in April said, "He was one of a kind. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for any of us. I just can't believe he's gone at such a young age."
"He always had a smile on his face," David Wright said. "Some days at work were tougher than others for Plum, but he never let that show. He loved the Mets. We'll miss him."
Plummer, who also served as a part-time recruiter for the baseball department, played a role in Billy Wagner's signing with the Mets after the 2005 season.
"We come from the same area," Wagner said. "He made New York seem easier for me. I figured if one guy from my area can handle it, I could, too. I liked Plum. He made you feel comfortable. My dad and uncles went to school with him. They knew a lot of the same people."
Plummer is survived by his wife, Tee, and his son, Jonathan. Funeral arrangements were not yet made. |
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