NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Throughout the summer, WCBS Newsradio 880 is presenting a series of reports looking ahead to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our series, "Rising from the Ashes," tells stories that inspire and teach; stories that honor the sacrifices of that day and how that work continues to impact the lives of others 20 years later.
The reality of a post-9/11 world was hard to bear, especially in the Tri-State area. Fortunately, there was the distraction of Major League Baseball.
Immediately following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the Yankees and the Mets started pitching in around New York City – offering help where it was needed.
The Mets had a staging area for supplies set up at Shea Stadium, and former manager Bobby Valentine recalled being there nearly 24/7.
“[I thought] maybe we were at war, maybe I'd have to enlist in some way and use my leadership skills to help organize people who had to protect our homeland,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yankees manager Joe Torre had led a group of players to The Armory in Washington Heights, where victims’ families had gathered.
“There was one family that called us over. And we walked over there and Bernie Williams, who was with us, he said to this woman… ‘I don't know what to say but you look like you need a hug,’” Torre said. “And with that he gave her a big hug.”
It only took a few weeks for baseball to return to New York City, with the Mets playing at Shea Stadium on Sept. 21. And Valentine vividly remembers the energy of the stadium.
“It wasn't a game – it was one of the most spectacular celebrations of life and unity that, I think, our country's ever seen,” he said.
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The Yankees advanced to the World Series that year and Torre recalls President George W. Bush throwing out the first pitch before Game 3.
He noted that then-shortstop Derek Jeter had some advice.
“He said, ‘Where are you planning on throwing this first pitch from?’ And then President Bush, before he responded, Derek said to him, ‘Well, I hope you’re gonna be on top of the rubber, on the top of the mound…because they'll boo you otherwise,’” Torre said.
Though the Yankees lost the series, both Torre and Valentine said they remember the healing powers that that season had for New York.
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