On July 24, 2016, Mike Piazza became just the second player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a New York Met. Six days later, he further ensured his legacy in Queens. Piazza joined fellow Hall of Famer Tom Seaver, Gil Hodges, and Casey Stengel in having his number retired by the Mets.
Over seven-plus seasons, Piazza compiled 220 home runs and 655 RBIs. He still holds the highest slugging percentage in franchise history, ranks second in OPS, and third in homers. He garnered six All-Star nods and two playoff appearances including a World Series trip in 2000 — all while solidifying his spot as the greatest hitting catcher ever.
He came to New York on the back-end of a whirlwind eight days that saw him dealt from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Florida Marlins then transferred to the Big Apple to complete one of the best trades this franchise has ever made. His first Mets appearance in May 1998 featured Al Leiter on the mound. He, along with Edgardo Alfonzo, Cliff Floyd, and Piazza’s family, was on hand.
Despite rain showers, Citi Field was filled for the ceremony which took place 30 minutes prior to the Mets game with the Colorado Rockies. Piazza emerged from the dugout to Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home” to a standing ovation.
After an emotional tribute video, it was time for the reveal of the retired No. 31 in the rafters — next to Seaver’s No. 41, Hodges’ No. 14, Stengel’s No. 37, and Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 (retired league-wide).
“That means I will always be with you,” Piazza said during his heartfelt speech. He addressed the crowd at the center field podium with loved ones and former teammates by his side and chants of “Mike Pi-a-zza” echoing from the stands.
“With all due respect to Tom Hanks, there is crying in baseball.”
