The New York Mets will retire this season’s No. 17 jersey from former first baseman Keith Hernandez, who becomes the fourth player in franchise history to receive the honor.
The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, the team announced Tuesday.
Hernandez, who has been with the franchise for nearly three decades as a player and broadcaster, ranks second in team history in batting average (.297) and posted a franchise record with six Gold Glove Awards.
“I am excited,” Hernandez said in a statement. “This is truly a special honor that lasts beyond a lifetime … I was very moved when [el propietario] Steve [Cohen] He called me to inform me about the withdrawal of the number. This is the highest honor that an organization can bestow on a player. I also want to thank the Mets fans, who have treated me like family since I arrived in 1983. “
Hernandez will join Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31) and Jerry Koosman (36) as the only players to have their numbers removed. The Mets also have retired numbers for managers Gil Hodges (14) and Casey Stengel (37).
“Keith was the first captain in team history and a great leader and catalyst on that ’86 champion team,” Cohen said in a statement. “He was a defensive wizard at the beginning and had a key performance at the end of games. We made a promise to continue celebrating and honoring our tremendous history and this is another worthy step in that direction.”
The five-time All-Star pick had a .310 batting average with 34 doubles, 13 home runs, 83 RBIs and led the National League with 94 walks during the Mets’ run to the 1986 World Series crown. .
He has served as an announcer for the team since 1999.
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Mets to retire Keith Hernandez’s No. 17 on July 9