The Yankees and Mets will take time to acknowledge the anniversary of 9/11 before Saturday’s game at Citi Field, and it offers a chance to look back on baseball’s place in the nation’s healing process following the horrific attacks.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was with the Reds in 2001, and remembers the impact both the Yanks and Mets had on a city in mourning following the tragic events of 9/11.
“I think about how huge baseball was in 2001, going through it, whether it was the startup of the season again with the Mets and Braves, and how magical of a night it was, and how emotional of a night,” Boone said. “We say it a lot, but part of the healing process that went on in this country and this city, and the World Series that ensued that fall, those were some tremendous games in New York.
“I think the connection that the city had with the teams, with the players, with the players interacting with the communities and police departments and firefighters, I think it’s one of the times in our history where a tragic even brought together a lot of people, and brought out the best of humanity.”
Listen to New York sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Yankees team gear
Boone hopes a lesson can be taken away from the fallout of 9/11, particularly in a time like the present, where seemingly endless divisive events continue to unfold. But on Saturday, there will be a chance for a stadium and a city to come together to acknowledge a time in history where the nation was able to stand as one after being knocked down in tragedy.
“In today’s world, where we’re so polarized in many different ways, it was one of those moments in time where everyone seemed to come together,” Boone said. “Hopefully we can honor that this weekend.”
Players and coaches will wear caps honoring first responders from New York City, while Joe Torre and Bobby Valentine, the managers of the Yankees and Mets in 2001, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. It will be an emotional pregame ceremony filled with tributes to those made the ultimate sacrifice 20 years ago.
“Any time you put that on, there’s some emotion tied to that, and there’s some honor tied to that,” Boone said. “To be a part of a lot of eyeballs on this this weekend, I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
