
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- Mets legend Keith Hernandez will be joining a very exclusive club this summer.

The former first baseman on the 1986 World Series champion Mets and the current SNY broadcaster will have his No. 17 retired by the team on July 9 at Citi Field, when the Mets face Miami.
Hernandez will become just for fourth player in Mets history to have his number retired -- alongside Mike Piazza's No. 31, Tom Seaver's No. 41 and Jerry Koosman's No. 36. The franchise has also retired the numbers of former manager Gil Hodges (No. 14) and Jackie Robinson (No. 42).
“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 spent seven seasons with the team, winning six Gold Gloves in his time in Queens. He has the second best batting average in team history (.297) and fourth-highest on-base percentage (.387).
Hernandez was elected the first captain in team history in 1987.
His detailed, and sometimes hilarious, commentary has been a mainstay for Mets baseball games on SNY since 2006, with his own "Keith-isms" like "rib-eye steaks" and "fundies."