A reflection back to many Mets memories that began in May of 1998
Happy 48th birthday to one of the newest Hall of Fame inductees and former New York Mets great, Mike Piazza!
On this date in 1968, Michael Joseph Piazza was born and shortly after the new millennium rang in, many considered him the greatest-hitting catcher of all-time. Of course as a Met, Piazza sure gave New Yorkers lots to cheer about.
Another day that will live in many Mets fans’ memory bank: May 22, 1998. That was the day the Mets acquired Piazza from the then Florida Marlins in exchange for Preston Wilson, Ed Yarnall, and Geoff Goetz. From that day until 2005, Piazza clubbed 220 of his 427 career home runs for the orange and blue while posting a .296 batting average.
The memories, especially from the early part of Piazza’s tenure are plentiful. Who can forget that two-year stretch in 1999 and 2000 with the latter of those two resulting in a National League Pennant? Who could forget the fact that he was an all-star four straight seasons from 1999-2002?
We all have our personal favorite memories from Piazza and the team at Rising Apple shared them earlier this summer. No matter where you were or how long you were a fan, Piazza brought renewed energy to a franchise that did not have a playoff appearance in a decade prior to his arrival in the Big Apple.
Everyone’s most memorable moment perhaps lies in the days after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. One swing of the bat from Piazza in the eighth inning against Steve Karsay did more than give the Mets a win over Atlanta.
Even if for just a few moments, it lifted the spirits of people in and around New York, some of whom had lost loved ones and many more whose lives changed forever.
1999 was a magical season for the Mets and full of many great Piazza moments. In what turned out to be a heartbreaking loss in Game 6 of the NLCS, it was Piazza who tied the game at 7-7, leading a charge back from a four-run deficit.
Mets fans know the rest of the story in that game, but the team came back just as strong the next year.
As we all reflect on Piazza’s career and his Hall of Fame speech, we all remember what a treat it was watching him play the game at a Hall of Fame level over an illustrious 16-year career. And for a good while, it’ll be the last player we’ll see enter the Hall as a Met. Happy birthday, Mike!
More from Rising Apple
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A reflection back to many Mets memories that began in May of 1998
Happy 48th birthday to one of the newest Hall of Fame inductees and former New York Mets great, Mike Piazza!
On this date in 1968, Michael Joseph Piazza was born and shortly after the new millennium rang in, many considered him the greatest-hitting catcher of all-time. Of course as a Met, Piazza sure gave New Yorkers lots to cheer about.
Another day that will live in many Mets fans’ memory bank: May 22, 1998. That was the day the Mets acquired Piazza from the then Florida Marlins in exchange for Preston Wilson, Ed Yarnall, and Geoff Goetz. From that day until 2005, Piazza clubbed 220 of his 427 career home runs for the orange and blue while posting a .296 batting average.
The memories, especially from the early part of Piazza’s tenure are plentiful. Who can forget that two-year stretch in 1999 and 2000 with the latter of those two resulting in a National League Pennant? Who could forget the fact that he was an all-star four straight seasons from 1999-2002?
We all have our personal favorite memories from Piazza and the team at Rising Apple shared them earlier this summer. No matter where you were or how long you were a fan, Piazza brought renewed energy to a franchise that did not have a playoff appearance in a decade prior to his arrival in the Big Apple.
Everyone’s most memorable moment perhaps lies in the days after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. One swing of the bat from Piazza in the eighth inning against Steve Karsay did more than give the Mets a win over Atlanta.
Even if for just a few moments, it lifted the spirits of people in and around New York, some of whom had lost loved ones and many more whose lives changed forever.
1999 was a magical season for the Mets and full of many great Piazza moments. In what turned out to be a heartbreaking loss in Game 6 of the NLCS, it was Piazza who tied the game at 7-7, leading a charge back from a four-run deficit.
Mets fans know the rest of the story in that game, but the team came back just as strong the next year.
As we all reflect on Piazza’s career and his Hall of Fame speech, we all remember what a treat it was watching him play the game at a Hall of Fame level over an illustrious 16-year career. And for a good while, it’ll be the last player we’ll see enter the Hall as a Met. Happy birthday, Mike!
More from Rising Apple
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