Citi Field Address Is Now 41 Seaver Way; Mets Announce Statue Coming To Ballpark

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NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — A Tom Seaver statue is coming to Citi Field, the New York Mets announced as the ballpark's address was changed in honor of the Hall of Fame pitcher.

Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said they have commissioned an eight-foot statue of Seaver to be built in front of the ballpark in the near future.

"A player like Tom Seaver comes along once in a lifetime, he is undoubetedly the most prominent and dominant pitcher in our team's history and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Mets uniform," Wilpon said.

Wilpon along with members of the 1969 Miracle Mets team including Jerry Koosman, Cleon Jones and Ron Swoboda joined Seaver's children and grandchildren as Citi Field's address was officially changed to 41 Seaver Way on Thursday. 

Former Met Art Shamsky says the honor is greatly deserved and notes that Seaver was a phenomenal player.

“I really believe that history will show it. One of the greatest pitchers ever to pitch in the big leagues,” he told WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell.

The numbers only prove the sentiment: 311 wins, 3,640 strikeouts, 12 All-Star games and an induction into the Hall of Fame.

“Not only did he have great stuff – by stuff, I mean baseball acumen – he was as good a competitor as I played with and against,” Shamsky added.

Seaver is suffering from dementia and is now retired from public life. His daughter spoke at the ceremony saying, "Dad's very proud of this, very proud to know that the work that he loved so very much will be remembered and that it may serve to inspire all those young boys and girls to work just as hard at the work that they truly love."

"Dad loved playing in New York, he loved pitching," Sarah Seaver said.

The renaming ceremony kicks off a weekend full of events honoring the ’69 Mets.

Friday, June 28: Mets vs. Braves

  • 1969 Replica Jersey Giveaway – All fans in attendance will receive a 1969 replica jersey courtesy of McDonalds.

Saturday, June 29: Mets vs. Braves – 4:10 p.m.

  • 1969 50th Anniversary Ceremony – Prior to the game, the Mets will honor the 1969 team with a special ceremony, emceed by broadcaster Howie Rose.The team will welcome back Mets legends including Cleon Jones, Ron Swoboda, Jerry Koosman among others.
  • Classic Car World Series Parade – The Mets will also reenact the 1969 World Series parade on the newly named Seaver Way between Northern Blvd and Roosevelt Ave. The parade will feature vintage Ford convertibles carrying members of the 1969 championship team.
  • 1969 Pennant Giveaway – The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a blue and orange pennant to commemorate the 1969 weekend, courtesy of Citi.

Sunday, June 30: Mets vs. Braves – 7:05 p.m.

  • 1969 Replica Ring Giveaway – The first 15,000 fans who enter the Citi Field gates will receive a 1969 Replica Ring, courtesy of H.L. Gross Jewelers.
  • Art Shamsky Book Signing – 1969 World Champion outfielder Art Shamsky will be signing copies of his book, “After the Miracle: The Lasting Brotherhood of the '69 Mets,” in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda prior to the start of the game. Books will be available for purchase in the Mets Team Store. 

Tickets for all events are still available and fans can purchase theirs online by going to Mets.com/tickets, via phone at 718-507-TIXX or by visiting the Citi Field box office.

Fans can also explore the new “Virtual Vault,” a completely free digital archive of historical material that tells the story of the Mets franchise with a heavy emphasis on the 1969 World Champion Mets in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Tour the Virtual Vault by visiting MetsHeritage.com or Mets.com and clicking on the Virtual Vault tab.