Mets GM Alderson's dad dies after being hit by car

NEW YORK – The father of New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has died after being hit by a car in Florida.

John Alderson was struck Saturday night and died in St. Petersburg, Fla. He was 87.

His death came 2½ weeks after the Mets hired Sandy Alderson as their GM. Alderson issued a statement Sunday saying his father was a retired Air Force pilot and was looking forward to attending opening day at Citi Field.

Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said the team has asked Alderson to take whatever time he needs to deal with the family's loss.