Former New York Mets slugger Rusty Staub was the featured guest author and keynote speaker for the fourth installment of The Salvation Army Greater New York Division’s Book Club Luncheon Series, held at ‘21’ Club in Manhattan on January 25th.
A 23-year veteran of the major leagues, the ever-popular, red-haired Staub, nicknamed “Le Grand Orange” from his playing days with the old Montreal Expos, was on hand to discuss his book, Few and Chosen: Defining Mets Greatness across the Eras, (written with sportswriter Phil Pepe) in which he rates the greatest Mets of all time by position.
In addition to his baseball career, Staub is also known for being a gourmet chef and restaurateur, as well as founder and Chairman of the Board of the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund Foundation, Inc., and President of The Rusty Staub Foundation, which works to provide food and other support to those in need.
Veteran Emmy Award-winning sportscaster Len Berman served as Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon. Berman’s own work, a children’s nonfiction book titled The Greatest Moments in Sports, was also on display, with an autographed copy serving as one of the luncheon door prizes.
Major Evan P. Hickman, General Secretary for The Salvation Army Greater New York Division, provided the audience with an update on The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Haiti following the devastating earthquake that struck the nation in January. Later, Major Hickman returned to the podium to present plaques of appreciation to both Staub and Berman for their participation in the luncheon.
John F. Hennessy III, Greater New York Advisory Board member and a good friend of Staub, provided introductory comments to the guest author’s keynote talk.
After the program, the former New York Met star held a book-signing for attendees interested in purchasing a copy of his book.