Ed Hearn. Many might not remember the name. He was Gary Carter's back-up for the 1986 World Champion Mets. He had a solid season, hitting .265 with 4 HR's in 136 AB's. His role, though might seem small, was very important to a dominant team.
Hearn was traded after the 1986 season for a no name scrub named David Cone. Hearn helped the Mets in many ways: his contributions in 1986 and the following year netted the Mets one of their best pitchers, David Cone.
Ed Hearn's baseball career sadly came to an end in 1988. He battled injuries after leaving the Mets, and after retirement was diagnosed with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is a disease of the kidneys. He has had three kidney transplants due to this terrible affliction.
Hearn has served as Ambassador for The NephCure Foundation. This foundation funds research into FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome. As of now, there is no cure for either disease.
Former Mets GM Jim Duquette will be in attendance. Duquette, who unfairly has been burdened with being the bad guy in the Scott Kazmir trade, has a daughter who also suffers from FSGS. Duquette serves on the of Board of Directors for the NephCure Foundation.
Through his difficulties, Hearn has become an inspiration. He wrote a book, Conquering Life's Curves, and is a motivational speaker who often visits hospital wards and dialysis centers.
A website has been set up for NephCure, www.savingkidneys.org, for fans to purchase tickets to the Mets-Phillies game with a portion of the cost donated to Nephcure and matched by research institutions including the University of Michigan. Hearn will also sign autographs at NephCure tables throughout the stadium.
Many times sports heroes are celebrated and honored. On this special night, a true hero...and former baseball player will be honored, and rightfully so.
Thanks to Mets Police for picking up the story and running with it.
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