Born a generation apart, Ron Hunt and Bret Saberhagen never interacted on the baseball field. Both are former Mets, but the connection ended there until Saberhagen, through his foundation, became aware just over a year ago of Hunt’s health problems.

Hunt needed help. The former infielder — best known for establishing a National League record by getting hit by a pitch 243 times in his career (a mark that was later eclipsed by Craig Biggio) — was suffering from Parkinson’s-like symptoms, and his daughter Tracy Hunt Quinn, who served as his primary caregiver, wasn’t sure where to turn as her father’s quality of life diminished.

After Saberhagen learned of Hunt’s illness through his connection to Mets alumni director Jay Horwitz, the former two-time Cy Young Award winner’s SabesWings Foundation then interceded.

Hunt, who in 1964 was the first Mets player to appear in the All-Star Game, is enjoying better days as a result, according to his daughter.