Mets announce Subway Series ceremony details for 20th anniversary of 9/11

Deesha Thosar, New York Daily News
·2 min read
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This weekend will feature one of the more special Subway Series of the past two decades.

The Mets on Wednesday announced the details of how they will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Before they play the Yankees on Saturday at Citi Field, 2001 Mets manager Bobby Valentine will throw the first pitch to 2001 Yankees manager Joe Torre.

Both teams will wear first responder caps during batting practice and the game, a reversal of MLB’s previous rules that did not allow the Mets and Yankees to rep gear after the first pitch. In 2019, Pete Alonso discussed the red tape he faced when he bought his Mets teammates customized patriotic cleats without asking for MLB’s permission.

“Caps from the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police Department, Department of Sanitation and Department of Correction will all be represented to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice,” the Mets said in their statement on Wednesday.

In addition, over 14 former Mets coaches and players from the 2001 team are expected to attend the game, including Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. Piazza hit the go-ahead home run on Sept. 21, 2001 vs. the Braves at Shea Stadium in what was the first sporting event in New York City following the attacks.

Organizations represented on the field Saturday will be Tuesday’s Children, the Visionary Network from the 9/11 Museum, Answer the Call — New York Police and Fire Widows’ & Children Benefit Fund, which was created by Rusty Staub, the Feel Good Foundation, helping those suffering from 9/11 related illnesses and Mets employees who lost loved ones on 9/11 and those who worked tirelessly at Shea Stadium to aid the support effort.

First responders will be joined on the field with the FDNY honor guard, NYPD honor guard, PAPD pipe & drum and honor guard, DSNY pipe & drum and honor guard, OEM, Department of Corrections and Supreme Court Officers.

The ceremony is expected to begin at 7 p.m. and the Citi Field gates will open to fans at 5:10 p.m. The Mets are encouraging those attending the game to take mass transit.