METS: SHANNON FORDE PASSES AWAY

This makes me very sad. Shannon was always great to us over at Metspolice and was really a great person to know. We all were hoping she could come back and beat cancer because she was such a fighter. Shannon never let you know what kind of toll her fight was taking on her. I'm going to be one of the many, many folks that are going to be very sad not having Shannon around. Rest In Peace Shannon Forde. From the Mets FB page.

Shannon Forde, 44, a beloved member of the New York Mets media relations department for over two decades passed away tonight after a long battle with breast cancer. “Shannon was a very unique person,” said Mets COO Jeff Wilpon. “I was fortunate to see her a few weeks ago at the rehab facility and had a great time laughing and visiting with her for over an hour. My condolences to her husband, John, two children, Nicholas and Kendall and the Dalton and Forde families. Citi Field won’t be the same without her contagious smile and genuine personality.” Shannon, a graduate of St. John’s University came to the Mets in 1994 and rose to the ranks of Senior Director. She was a pioneer for women in baseball’s public relations. Four years ago, Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson and Manager Terry Collins were two of the Mets family who attended a fundraiser on Shannon’s behalf. "Shannon was an absolute inspiration to everyone in this organization, including me, and I told her so,” said Alderson. “She was courageous in her fight and never let her illness claim her spirit. That spirit will remain with the Mets, in our memories and in our hearts." “She fought, fought and fought,” said Collins. “She came to work as long as she could. She loved her job and loved the Mets. I have so much admiration for the way she conducted herself the last several years.” “Shannon was with me my whole career with the Mets,” said Mets captain David Wright. “She helped me so much when I was a rookie. She worked hard to assist my foundation and helped me get acclimated to New York.”

From Randy aka @readtheapple- Gutted to learn of the passing of Shannon Forde. Shannon was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Because of her, I was able to have so many amazing experiences and I will forever be grateful to her for that. My heart goes out to her family and her New York Mets family. May she Rest In Peace. Here's also an article from the Daily News that expands on what she meant to folks. Read Here