NEW YORK -- New York Mets icon Rusty Staub suffered a heart attack on a United Airlines flight from Ireland to New York on Thursday, prompting the plane to return to Shannon Airport, a source told ESPN.com.
The Mets issued a statement that read: "Rusty Staub experienced a medical emergency on a flight from Ireland to JFK. The flight was diverted back to Ireland where Rusty is now resting comfortably in a hospital. The prognosis is good and Rusty and his family ask that we respect his privacy during this period. He is in the thoughts and prayers of the Mets organization."
Staub, 71, played 23 major league seasons with the Mets, Houston Astros, Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.
He was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1986 and remains affiliated with the club as an ambassador. He is active in charitable endeavors, including establishing the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund.
The family is trying to raise money for a medical plane to bring Staub back home to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.