This is a very sad story for the morning of Opening Day.

Everyone’s favorite Met, “Le Grand Orange”, Rusty Staub, has passed away.

Rusty was 73 when he made his transition early Thursday morning.

Stub’s legacy has always been prominent with the Mets fan base and will be immediately felt at Citi Field, where the Mets begin their 2018 campaign at 1:10pm, against the St.Louis Cardinals.

It was reported a few weeks ago that Rusty was in critical condition down in West Palm Beach, Florida, it was one of many health issues that Rusty faced late in his life.

Everyone wishes Rusty Staub’s family and friends their deepest sympathies.