FRIEND’ IS LOST

By Keith, Ron

Staub was on the Mets in 1973 when the Yogi Berra-managed club made it to the World Series, before losing to the A’s. Cleon Jones, the former Mets left fielder who was also on that ’73 club, told the Daily News Thursday that Staub was a “good teammate and a good player,” but whose out-sized frame and personality sometimes chafed other teammates.

“You are who you are, and Rusty had to be Rusty,” said Jones with a laugh. “He was an especially good hitter, and he studied other pitchers. He would find their flaws and take advantage of that. I enjoyed playing with him. He’s gonna be missed in New York and all across the country.”

Mets general manager Sandy Alderson admired Staub’s career and even more, Staub’s charitable efforts off the field, including his decades-long involvement with The New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund.

“Perhaps the overcast (sky) is an indication of how Mets Nation is feeling today,” said Alderson.

Hernandez said he had just been to visit Staub last Saturday in Florida, where Staub had been hospitalized with numerous health complications.

“He’s just been a great friend. But he was in a lot of pain, so it’s better,” said Hernandez. “He’s in a better place.” ANDREW SAVULICH/DAILY NEWS