NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — The New York Mets paid tribute to Half of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver on Thursday with ever member putting dirt on the right knee of their pant legs prior to their face off against the Yankees.
The move was a nod to Seaver’s iconic drop and drive delivery style, during which his right knee would often become covered in dirt throughout the course of a game.
The team also decided to hang black bunting over the 41 Seaver Way entrance, the Seaver Gate and behind home plate in remembrance.
During the course of the game against the New York Yankees, Seaver’s jersey will be hanging in the Mets dugout and the right field scoreboard will be displayed in the style of Shea Stadium, circa 1969.
Seaver, who died at the age of 75 this week from complications from dementia and COVID-19, was often regarded as one of the best players for the Mets and was nicknamed “Tom Terrific” during his career.
He led the Mets to over 300 victories, including the iconic 1969 World Series Championship. In 2019, when Seaver was diagnosed with dementia and stepped away from pubic life, the city and ballpark came together to rename the official address of Citi Field to 41 Seaver Way.
On Thursday, the Mets announced the strikeout board behind the left field foul pole would display an in-memoriam for Seaver throughout the game and during the Mets at-bats, player’s background on Citi Vision will feature a “41 background.”
Citi Field, however, won’t be the only place where Seaver is remembered.
To honor his life and legacy, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed all flags and New York Mets ballparks in the state – Citi Field, NYSEG Stadium, MCU Park and NBT Bank Stadium – to fly at half-staff.
Meanwhile, the New York Mets plan to unveil a uniform patch this weekend, that players will wear on their jersey sleeves for the remainder of the year.