 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.Despite a poor average and only two RBIs in April, Stearns set career highs in home runs, RBIs, runs and total bases in 1978.He also led the team with a career high 25 stolen bases, and in the process broke the National League record for catchers, which had been held by Johnny Kling since .