Say what you will about the New York Mets, but last night they put together a beautiful, touching tribute to the victims of 9/11, the families they left behind and the brave first responders who searched and searched for survivors until there was no more hope. Bless the Mets for figuring out a way to put aside all their dysfunction to put together what was truly a heart-warming ceremony. From having members of the inspirational 2001 team participating in the ceremony to having current Mets and Chicago Cubs players come out of the dugout holding hands with a child who lost a parent on 9/11 to Marc Anthony singing the national anthem as he did 10 years ago, everything was perfect. It made me really sorry I didn't think to head to Citi Field to join in honoring all those who were lost and the brave individuals who risked their lives and health to try to find them.
However, I am completely baffled as to why Major League Baseball wouldn't let the Mets wear the caps of the New York Police Department, Fire Department and Port Authority as a way to honor those who lost their lives trying desperately to save others. I am constantly amazed by MLB’s cluelessness and insensitivity. So what if they have a contract with New Era—does the company really want to be known as the reason the Mets players couldn’t wear those hats in tribute to the true heroes of New York City?
For one night only, I was a Mets fan again. I really was rooting for a walk-off victory in the late innings of the game, if only to see the smiles on the faces of all the first responders, military folks and the children in attendance. Alas, it was not meant to be because this is the 2011 version of the Mets, not the 2001 Mets led by Mike Piazza, who never hit a more memorable home run than he did to win that first game back after the attacks.
The Mets don't often get a lot right, but they did something truly beautiful and unforgettable last night.
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