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New York Mets retire Willie Mays' No. 24 jersey in Old-Timers' Day surprise
Willie Mays spent only two seasons with the New York Mets. His legacy will last forever. In a surprise salute at Citi Field, the Mets retired Mays' jersey Saturday as part of festivities during the organization's first Old-Timers' Day since 1994."From this day forward, no Met will ever wear Willie Mays' iconic No. 24," emcee Howie Rose read to a near-standing ovation from the crowd. One of baseball's greatest players, the Hall of Fame centerfielder starred for the Giants in New York from 1951-57 and then in San Francisco from 1958-72 after the club moved to the West Coast. He returned to the Big Apple in a May 1972 trade and spent his final two seasons with the Mets, helping them reach the 1973 World Series. Mets charter owner Joan Whitney Payson told Mays he would be the last player in franchise history to wear No. 24. But Payson died not long after Mays' retirement in 1973, and the Mets finally made good on her promise nearly 50 years later under current owner Steve Cohen and his wife, Alex.
The 91-year-old Mays was unable to attend the festivities after having hip replacement surgery, but was represented by his son, Michael. "We're thrilled," Michael said. "Long time coming, for sure."The unexpected announcement followed a video tribute to Mays after Old-Timers' Day introductions. Behind the pitcher's mound, a blue No. 24 with orange trim was unveiled as former teammate Cleon Jones and other ex-Mets applauded. The placard will be placed alongside the team's other retired numbers on the Citi Field roof in the left-field corner. Mays became the fifth Mets player to have his number retired and the second this season. Keith Hernandez had his No. 17 jersey retired on July 9. They joined Jerry Koosman (36) and Hall of Famers Tom Seaver (41) and Mike Piazza (31). Former managers Casey Stengel (37) and Gil Hodges (14) were also so honored, and Jackie Robinson had his No. 42 jersey retired by all 30 major league teams. Mays played 135 games with the Mets and hit his final 14 home runs for the team.
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