 After his torrid finish to 1976, Stearns was the starting catcher for most of 1977, with Grote and Hodges relegated to backup and pinch-hitting duty.On August 31, 1977, the Mets traded Grote to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two players to be named later.In June, Stearns posted two four-RBI games, including the only grand slam of his career.