Stearns quickly became a Mets fan favorite for his defensive back-like hard physical play. On June 30, , the Mets defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates with Stearns tagging out Dave Parker to end the game. Parker, who had run over two other catchers in the previous two weeks, suffered a broken cheekbone in the collision with Stearns. When the Pirates in-state rivals (also the Mets' own division rivals), the Philadelphia Phillies, next came to New York City, they thanked Stearns for standing up to Parker.