Retired Jersey Numbers of New York Mets Legends

By Oliver Wiener September 02, 2024 10:19

Photo by Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The New York Mets franchise is filled with historic wins and appearances from hall-of-fame players and current stars. Throughout the years, numerous players have impacted a franchise so much that their jersey number was retired. But this is a look back at the tales of these legends and what their contributions to numbers mean for those who will follow them on the team long after they are gone.

Tom Seaver: 41

The most iconic player in Mets history, right-hander Tom Seaver, was known as "Tom Terrific" and dubbed "The Franchise." His extraordinary and influential career is seen in number 41, which was retired by the team in retirement of his services as far back as January 1988.

Career Highlights & Contributions

Statistics: Seaver, with his pitching brilliance, didn't leave New York until 1977 when he was traded to Cincinnati, then again for part of '83. In that span, he went 198-124 with a 2.57 ERA and struck out an astonishing number of batters (2,541) during his Mets tenure.

Career Highlights: He won three Cy Young Awards (1969, 1973, 1975) and was a two-time All-Star.

Best Moment: It was during the latter half of his career, with the 1969 Miracle Mets, that Seaver pitched to a commanding presence on a mound when he paced leading in another way many believed impossible.

Legacy and Impact

His on-the-field dominance, as well as off-the-field leadership abilities, made him a fan favorite. He was so much more than just statistics; he epitomized the grit and determination of the early Mets.

Mike Piazza: 31

The power-hitting Mike Piazza, now has his number 31, retired today in mid-2016 as part of a key piece behind the Mets' late '90s to early '00 success.

Career Accomplishments and Contributions

Batting: Piazza signed with the Mets in 1998 and retired from play in the mid 2000'a. He hit 220 home runs, with a National League-leading 111 RBIs at one point of his career.

Best Moment: Piazza's best moment probably came on September 21, 2001, when he hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning of baseball's first professional game back in New York.

Legacy and Impact

A clutch hitter, Piazza was a fan favorite. His bat helped redefine the catcher position offensively and led to his presence in helping transform a terrible Mets team into 2000 NL champions.

Jerry Koosman: 36

In 2021, the Mets retired a third number by officially pulling Koosman's No.36 off uniform rotation after having seldom pitched for another club beyond Shea Stadium during his days in New York while making key contributions to two pennant-winning Marlins teams (1969-70) as well as an NL Wild Card team ('73).

Achievements and Contributions

Pitching Mastery: Mets 1967–1978; 140 wins, ERA of 3.09

1969 World Series: Koosman was a DH in the field and into two important games, one of which was when he beat Baltimore to clinch it all.

Legacy and Impact

Koosman was a lefty to Seaver's right-handed dominance, creating one of the most potent 1-2 punches that led the Mets to their first title.

The New York Mets in Historical Context

The Mets were brought to life In the same expansion era that saw Major League Baseball make its way west and leave behind a hole in New York when the Dodgers (Los Angeles) and Giants (San Francisco) headed for California. Although it began as a struggle, the team quickly became a beacon of hope and resilience for the city.

1969 World Series: Everyone was paying attention as the "Miracle Mets" announced themselves as the winners of the first World Series title ever.

1986 World Series: The '86 champs are known for their gritty win over Boston.

The Role of Retired Legends

Those whose jerseys have been retired had a hand in all these accomplishments. Yet it is more than just on-field performance; they helped define the face and culture of Mets baseball.

Honoring the Legends

A team retiring a player's jersey number is among the highest honors possible. So, for the Mets, it stands as a testament to just how much these players meant to both franchise and fan base. Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, and Jerry Koosman are three of the most iconic baseball players in today's game, not just because they're great athletes but also because they are symbolic figures representing how much the Mets mean when it comes to their long-lasting spirit for winning.

They have each inspired numerous fans and players, helping showcase the New York Mets' past, present, and future. These legends will always be a part of the team's narrative, as they should be honored and remembered for all they gave to this game and their city.