New York MetsĪfter three seasons in Montreal, Staub was traded to the New York Mets in 1972 in exchange for first baseman-outfielder Mike Jorgensen, shortstop Tim Foli, and outfielder Ken Singleton. He is also the franchise's career leader in on-base percentage (.402), among players with 2,000 or more plate appearances with the franchise. The #10 worn by Staub during his first stint in Montreal was the first number ever retired by the Montreal Expos organization. Embraced by French-Canadians because he learned their language, he was nicknamed "Le Grand Orange" for his red hair (his more common nickname of "Rusty" has the same origin). He was embraced as the expansion team's first star, and became one of the most popular players in their history. Montreal eventually dealt Jack Billingham, Skip Guinn, and $100,000 as compensation. The trade became a source of controversy as Clendenon refused to report to the Astros and attempted to retire the deal had to be resolved by Commissioner of Baseball Bowie Kuhn who ruled that the deal was official, but that Clendenon was to stay with the Expos. Staub was traded to the Expos before the start of their inaugural season in 1969 as part of a trade for Donn Clendenon and Jesus Alou. He was also an All-Star for the Astros in 1968. His numbers began to steadily improve in the 1965 season for the now-renamed Astros, and he had a breakout 1967 season, where he led the league in doubles with 44 and was selected to the All-Star team. 216 for the Colts and was sent down the minor leagues at one point. In his first season, at only 19 years of age, Staub played regularly, splitting time between first base and the outfield, but hit only. Following that season, Staub was signed to a $100,000 Major League contract under the Bonus Rule. He spent the 1962 season in the Class B Carolina League, and at season's end he was named one of the league's all-stars. Staub signed his first professional contract with the Houston Colt.
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