Post by trueblue on Aug 28, 2022 2:26:59 GMT
'Mets retire Willie Mays' No. 24 during Old Timers' Day surprise'
When Willie Mays joined the New York Mets in 1972, his arrival came with a promise.
Joan Payson, then the owner of the Mets, told Mays his number would be retired by the organization after his career ended.
“Sadly, Mrs. Payson died before she could make good on her promise," Mets broadcaster Howie Rose said Saturday at Citi Field during a ceremony for Old Timers' Day. "And all these years later, it has remained unfulfilled. Until today."
After player introductions - with legends like Cleon Jones, Darryl Strawberry and Mike Piazza lining the basepaths in Flushing - the Mets made a surprise announcement by retiring No. 24 that Mays wore while playing for the team at the end of his Hall of Fame career in 1972 and 1973.
“Sadly, Mrs. Payson died before she could make good on her promise," Mets broadcaster Howie Rose said Saturday at Citi Field during a ceremony for Old Timers' Day. "And all these years later, it has remained unfulfilled. Until today."
After player introductions - with legends like Cleon Jones, Darryl Strawberry and Mike Piazza lining the basepaths in Flushing - the Mets made a surprise announcement by retiring No. 24 that Mays wore while playing for the team at the end of his Hall of Fame career in 1972 and 1973.