You can’t forget those events of September 11, 2001.  For the world of sports that was a day when fun and games also went dark with the cancellation of Major League Baseball games and the NFL season was temporarily on hold.

In the end, though, it was sports that once again united this country. The first game played as the nation continued to mourn took place at Shea Stadium, 10 days after the attacks on September 21. The Mets and Braves were united that evening, a nation that needed unity after the tragic events.

Tonight, in Buffalo. the Mets continue their stretch to a possible postseason against the Blue Jays. Jacob deGrom will be on the mound. The Mets as a team, once again will observe a moment of silence.

For a majority of the 2020 Mets, the events of September 11, 2001 are told through the memories of others. They read and hear about that tragic day. They hear and read about the Mike Piazza home run at Shea Stadium.

A home run, and heard around the country as the nation continued to mourn and heal.

Last year at Citi Field there were the ceremonies before the Mets took the field against the Braves with over 100 uniformed representatives of first responder agencies participating in on field ceremonies as they stood on the sidelines in between the players and then Mets manager Mickey Callaway.

Callaway said he was proud to be a New Yorker before the first pitch that was thrown by FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. Tonight up in Buffalo, and during this different 2020 season, Luis Rojas the rookie manager will also reflect.

You see, September 11, 2001 for a good many of us, is a part of that tragic moment in America. And for the Mets organization, the date and home run is a part of baseball history.

That morning of September 11th, as the events were unfolding sports was the last thing to be concerned about. There was no time to contemplate who would win a ballgame that evening. There was no time to think about pitching matchups  or the lineups.

There was only time to be with someone, anyone who also was following the events and saying  this was a script from a movie and not reality.

 It will be no different Friday night. Jacob deGrom, for the second time in his career will start a ballgame on September 11, attempting to win a third straight NL CY Young Award with a NL leading 1.69 ERA. 

Dominic Smith and Michael Conforto, two of the top five in NL batting, will bow their heads before the first pitch. They, too, were youngsters at the time in 2001. They also hear and listen, as we will do, about the events and how a baseball game in New York attempted to bring back normalcy.

But that day, you heard and watched the Towers fall and those running for safety. It was  a city coming together to save others and realize this was a historic loss of lives on American soil.

Yes, it is in the history books and with hopes it will never happen again as we confront other issues as a nation with the Coronavirus and racial injustice. 

Years later, we reflect. Sports still remains the other outlet and diverts attention from the negativity of an everyday society, witnessed this baseball season.  The loss of lives will always be sorrow, and the thrill of victory and agony of defeat from a game or competition will always be sports.

But the events and those who sacrificed that day of September 11, 2001 will always be remembered. Sports and reflection this day are good. Never forget. 

The Mets will always be a part of that healing process. So take that time to reflect. Take your time and bow your heads. Remember, on this day, it is only a baseball game.

September 11, 2001 is in the record books. A record that means more than a baseball game and a Mets win with Jacob deGrom on the mound.