The New York Mets announced Tuesday that they will retire the No. 17 jersey worn by first baseman great Keith Hernandez this summer.
The ceremony will take place ahead of the Mets’ game against the Miami Marlins on July 9.
“I’m thrilled,” said Hernandez. “This is truly a special honor that lasts beyond a lifetime. I can’t thank Steve and Alex Cohen and the Mets Hall of Fame Committee enough. I was very emotional when Steve called to let me know about the number retirement. This is the highest honor an organization can bestow upon a player. I also want to thank Mets fans, who have treated me like family since I arrived in 1983.”
Hernandez will become the fourth Met to have his number retired, joining Tom Seaver (No. 41), Mike Piazza (No. 31) and Jerry Koosman (No. 36).
Hernandez was elected to the Mets Hall of Fame in 1997. He leads the franchise with six Gold Gloves and ranks second all-time in batting average (.297).
Hernandez has called Mets games since 1999, including the last 16 on SNY.
–Field Level Media