FLUSHING, New York (Ticker) -- Mike
Piazza capped one of the most emotional
nights in Shea Stadium history by
hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of
the eighth inning as the New York Mets
rallied for a 3-2 win over the faltering
Atlanta Braves.
The first major sports event in New York
since the terrorist attacks on the World
Trade Center drew 41,235 to Shea
Stadium, which served as a staging area
for rescue workers only a week earlier .
. . .
It was an eerie night to me. The first
baseball game in New York after 9/11. It
was Friday night, the 21st of September
and The Mets were playing The Braves.
Before the game, uniforms filled the
field. Police, Fireman, Port Authority
and The Armed Forces were all
represented. There were bands and flags
and marching and speeches... New York,
New York (Liza Minelli), The Star
Spangled Banner (Diana Ross), and, of
course, God Bless America. We were
showing our courage and honoring the
heroes of The Trade Center. But beneath
the surface there was a palpable sense
of confusion and uncertainty. "How
could this have happened?"
"Will life ever be the same?"
On Monday, in Pittsburgh, when the
season had resumed, The Mets had decided
to wear the baseball caps of the rescue
workers instead of their own. This
gesture along with other factors (Bobby
Valentine loading supplies on a truck at
Shea and John Franco's connection with
New York City workers) had given The
Mets a special identification with the
city and the tragic events.
Patriotism and bravery were evident but,
to me, they were muted by the remnants
of "ground zero" which filled
the air. Almost as an afterthought, The
Mets were making a late run at The
Braves and this was a meaningful game.
As the night went on, the game seemed to
take on more importance. It was baseball
and we needed it... a diversion from the
sad reality we all were living through.
The Braves led 2-1 when Piazza came up
with one on. He had done it so many
times before but this was asking too
much. I couldn't believe it. So
majestic. The ball seemed to soar
forever. He'd done it. He'd really done
it! I stood up and tears filled my eyes.
There was a long way to go but maybe,
just maybe, we'll get through this after
all. Yes !!! Many heroes would continue
to lead the way.
Terry
Cashman
2) ...And Brooklyn Almost Died
Terry Cashman's song about Bobby
Thompson's October 3, 1951 Home Run -
"The Shot Heard Round The
World."
That was the day it happened in Harlem
And they danced until the dawn
That was the day the miracle was born
But there was no joy in Brownsville
Bay Ridge or Bedford Stuy
That was the day
The Boys stopped breathin'
And Brooklyn almost died
Terry
Cashman
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