On September 21, 2001, at the first professional sporting event in New York following the terrorist attacks, Mike Piazza hit a two-run home run at Shea Stadium that put the New York Mets ahead of the Atlanta Braves. It was a moment that transcended baseball: the city needed a reason to believe life would go on.
The Context: New York on Pause
After September 11, New York was in mourning. Major League Baseball suspended play for a week. When the Mets returned to Shea Stadium on September 21, it wasn’t just another game—it was the first sign that the city could gather again. The stadium in Queens was filled with police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers. The atmosphere mixed tension with hope.
Mike Piazza and His Historic Moment
Mike Piazza, the Mets’ catcher and designated hitter, was already a legend in New York. During his career with the team, he had hit 220 home runs in blue and white. But the one he connected in the second inning on September 21 would be the most remembered of all. With two men on base, Piazza sent the ball into left field. When it landed, Shea Stadium erupted. It wasn’t just a home run—it was catharsis.
What Happened Next
The Mets won that game 3-2 against the Atlanta Braves. Piazza was named Player of the Week across Major League Baseball. His home run was replayed on television for months, not as an ordinary sports play, but as a symbol of resilience. New Yorkers saw in that ball leaving Shea Stadium a reason to move forward.
Piazza finished his career with 427 home runs in the majors and was selected to 12 All-Star Games. But in New York, he will be remembered first for that home run on September 21, when the country’s largest city needed someone to remind it that the game—and life—would continue.
Timeline of the Moment
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 11, 2001 | Terrorist attacks in New York; Major League Baseball suspends play |
| September 21, 2001 | First professional sporting event in New York; Mike Piazza hits two-run home run at Shea Stadium |
| 2006 | Piazza retires from professional baseball after 16 seasons in the majors |
FAQ
Who were the Mets playing that day?
The Mets faced the Atlanta Braves. It was a 3-2 victory for New York.
How many home runs did Mike Piazza hit with the Mets?
Piazza hit 220 home runs wearing the blue and white uniform of the New York Mets.
Why was that home run so important?
It wasn’t just a play—it was the first symbol that New York could return to normal after tragedy. Shea Stadium was filled with rescue workers and the entire city was watching.
