Mike Piazza: It’s Gotta Be The Mets, No Question!

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• Hank January 22, 2012 at 1:51 pm

  He winked when he said that. But…I think when it’s all said and done, it’s gotta be Mets no question. Then we can retire his number, and my kids can hear stories when we go to Cooperstown.
  • MetsFan96 January 22, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    he winked after half the questions lol
• SirPall January 22, 2012 at 9:04 pm

  Interesting….she’s not a natural blond
• CarlMetFan January 22, 2012 at 11:24 pm

  I was lucky enough to sit down and talk to Mike Piazza when he was with the Oakland A’s. I asked him directly which cap he wanted to go in with — the Dodgers or the Mets. He was ADAMANT that he was going in with a Mets cap. In fact, his exact response to the question was “F*&%ing Dodgers, I HATE the Dodgers.” He still carries a grudge that the Dodgers didn’t sign him to a long term contract and traded him instead.

  Now for those who think his opinion doesn’t matter to the Hall of Fame, here’s a short article that was on the Hall of Fame website a couple of years ago:

  >>>>>>>>>>
  CAPPING THE ISSUE: The choice of which team logo appears on a player’s plaque is the Museum’s decision, though the wishes of an inductee are always considered. As a history museum, it is important that the logo be emblematic of the historical accomplishments of that player’s career. A player’s election to the Hall of Fame is a career achievement, and as such, every team for whom he played is listed on the plaque; however, the logo selection is based on where that player makes his most indelible mark. For example, it would not be appropriate from an historical standpoint if Babe Ruth’s cap had a Red Sox logo, if Ty Cobb’s cap had a Philly A’s logo, or if Hank Greenberg’s had a Pirates logo. However, when instances come up where a player’s career achievements were fairly evenly divided, as was the case with both Dave Winfield and Carlton Fisk, the player is given more ownership in the decision, though the Museum retains the final one.
  >>>>>>>>>>

  And for some further ammo here are some stats comparing Piazza’s time with the Dodgers to his time with the Mets: He played 1/3 more games with the Mets. He had more at bats, runs, hits, RBI, 43 more HRs, went to the World Series and broke the All Time HR record for catchers all with the Mets. He won the Rookie of the Year Award and hit 35 points higher with the Dodgers.

  All things considered (including Mike’s preference) and there is NO DOUBT in my mind that he’ll be wearing a NY Mets cap on his plaque in Cooperstown.
• theonlymaskman January 23, 2012 at 9:13 am

  What a GREAT interview! Thanks so much for posting it here. Mike Piazza is a wonderful and outstanding representative of Mets history and tradition. We are so fortunate that he played here during his prime years. A true hero and role model.

  There were some interesting replies. Armando Benitez as the greatest pitcher he caught. Wow, that’s quite some insight. Mike showed his diplomatic talents at including Johnny Bench in his short list of the greatest catcher. And of course the M-E-T-S Mets as his choce of hat. Glad I heard it from his own mouth.

  Now if only the Mets FO has enough brains to retire his # while HE is still alive.
• Joe January 23, 2012 at 9:31 am

  He was only one point off when he made his prediction about the Superbowl score!