Keith Hernandez, a legendary first baseman for the New York Mets, recently signed his number 17 jersey for another superstar in a memorable event. Hernandez, who played a pivotal role in leading the Mets to their 1986 World Series victory, is celebrated not only for his defensive prowess and batting skills but also for his significant contribution to the team’s legacy.
The signing event took place at a high-profile gathering, highlighting the enduring respect and admiration Hernandez commands within the baseball community. The recipient of the signed jersey was a notable figure in the world of baseball, further emphasizing the connection and respect between past and present stars of the game.
Hernandez’s number 17 is iconic among Mets fans, representing a key era of the team’s history. His influence extended beyond the field, as he became a prominent broadcaster and commentator, offering insightful analysis and commentary on the sport he loves.
This gesture of signing the jersey underscores the ongoing legacy of Hernandez and his impact on the game. It also serves as a testament to the enduring relationships within the baseball world, where past legends continue to inspire and support current and future stars.
Hernandez was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1997 and also joined the St. Louis Cardinals’ Hall last year. He ranks second in Mets history with a .297 batting average, and he won a team-record six of his 11 Gold Gloves in New York.
- The Bay Area native propelled the Mets to a World Series title in 1986 and was appointed the franchise’s first captain the next year by manager Davey Johnson. A fan favorite who parlayed his success into appearances on “Seinfeld” and elsewhere, Hernandez joined the Mets broadcast booth in 1999 and has won three Emmys for Best Sports Analyst.
Keith Hernandez stunned by Mets jersey retirement news
AP
NEW YORK (AP) — Keith Hernandez was startled to see Mets owner Steve Cohen calling out of the blue Tuesday, then put at ease when the pair spent 10 minutes talking about New York’s splashy offseason.
“Then he said, ‘That’s not the reason I’m calling,’ and then he dropped the bomb on me,” Hernandez said. “Caught me completely by surprise.”
A captain and commentator beloved in Queens for nearly four decades, Hernandez will have his No. 17 retired by the Mets prior to a July 9 game against Miami. New York announced the honor Tuesday, shortly after Cohen called to inform the 68-year-old Hernandez.
“I had no idea,” Hernandez said Wednesday. “It’s just kind of soaking in and sinking in now, today, the import of this. It is really, to think of it, I’m so honored. This is the highest honor that an organization can give to a player.”
Hernandez will be the fourth Mets player to have his number retired, with his No. 17 standing alongside Tom Seaver’s 41, Mike Piazza’s 31 and Jerry Koosman’s 36 at Citi Field. Koosman’s number was retired in August. Managers Gil Hodges (14) and Casey Stengel (37) have also had their numbers retired.
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“You know, I grew up as a kid like everybody else, going to baseball games, and going to some of those parks with the names up on the wall,” Hernandez said. “This is unbelievable.”
Hernandez was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1997 and also joined the St. Louis Cardinals’ Hall last year. He ranks second in Mets history with a .297 batting average, and he won a team-record six of his 11 Gold Gloves in New York.
The Bay Area native propelled the Mets to a World Series title in 1986 and was appointed the franchise’s first captain the next year by manager Davey Johnson. A fan favorite who parlayed his success into appearances on “Seinfeld” and elsewhere, Hernandez joined the Mets broadcast booth in 1999 and has won three Emmys for Best Sports Analyst.
“He just brought a winning culture,” former teammate and current TV partner Ron Darling said. “In the way he moved, the way he acted and the way he played. The one thing I think Keith did for that entire ballclub, he was not a rah-rah guy, he was not a guy who said a lot in that clubhouse, but he brought it every night.”
The five-time All-Star was on the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Hall of Fame ballot for nine years but never got more than 10.8% of the ballots, well short of the 75% threshold for enshrinement.
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