Former New York Mets catcher Ed Hearn and his family are asking for help finding a life-saving living kidney donor.

Hearn’s story and the situation is outlined on his page on the National Kidney Registry’s website, which states “Ed Hearn is in dire need of a life-saving kidney transplant. Yes, he has ‘stepped up to the plate’ countless times with the ‘game of life’ on the line. From the ‘Penthouse’ of a 1986 World Series Championship, under the bright lights of New York City to the ‘Outhouse’ of a career-ending shoulder injury, and the diagnosis of three potentially life-threatening health conditions by age 31.”

“This once strong and vibrant professional athlete was reduced to a man who could barely care for himself. Today, after 2 successful life-saving kidney transplants, dialysis, several bouts with cancer, radiation treatments, the aid of a breathing machine each night, a costly IV treatment once a month, and up to 40 pills per day, this 61-year-old former major leaguer has come back with a far greater purpose in life than just that of being a professional athlete. His faith, grace, courage, and determination are worthy of imitation.”

The site also states, “Ed urgently needs a kidney donor and if you’re interested in being tested, please click on the ‘Looking to Donate for Ed’ Button at the bottom of this page. Please understand that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A ‘MATCH’ or even HAVE THE SAME BLOOD TYPE AS ED because of the recent significant advances in LIVING KIDNEY DONOR Paired Exchange Programs. In a paired exchange, the recipient in one pair is compatible with the donor from the other pair and vice versa. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE for Ed so please consider sharing your spare because organ donors save lives.”

If you or anyone you know is interested in donating and would like to start the process, please visit and fill out this form provided by the National Kidney Registry to see if you qualify to donate and to start the screening process.

Hearn was drafted by the Phillies in the fourth round of the 1978 draft and signed with the Mets in 1983. Hearn played his most big league games in 1986 when he received a World Series ring with the Mets.

Please visit the National Kidney Registry’s website for more information.