NEW YORK -- The New York Mets say former star Rusty Staub is recovering in a hospital in Ireland after a heart attack on an overseas flight.
The Mets said Saturday the 71-year-old Staub is "resting comfortably."
The team said Staub was on a flight from Ireland to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York this week when he had a medical emergency. The team said the plane was diverted back to Ireland, where Staub was treated.
Staub played nine seasons for the Mets over two stints in the 1970s and 1980s. An outfielder, first baseman and pinch-hitter, he is a member of the Mets Hall of Fame and was a six-time All-Star in a 23-year career.
Staub played 518 with the Expos over 23 of his major league seasons. He was a six-time All Star, three times with the Expos.
"Le Grand Orange," as he was dubbed in honour of his flaming-red hair, was an Expo from 1969 to 1971 and once again in 1979. He ranks 12th overall in MLB games played, having suited up 2,951 times. Staub's number 10 was the first to be retired by the Expos.
Staub was recently at Citi Field and has remained popular with Mets fans. His foundation raises money for the families of New York police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
-- with files from The Canadian Press
