The New York Mets have compiled a collection of memorabilia as part of their new team Hall of Fame and Museum that will open Monday at Citi Field.
The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum recognizes the greatest moments in club history and honors those who have left an indelible mark on the organization. The museum features significant artifacts, interactive exhibits, videos and photographic imagery, recognizing the unforgettable plays and players that have defined the Mets’ 48-year history. Some of the memorabilia is on loan from former players and their families along with private collectors and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
Highlights include the 1969 and 1986 World Series Championship trophies, and memorabilia on loan from Mets greats including: Tom Seaver’s 1969 Cy Young Award and Keith Hernandez’s 1987 Gold Glove Award. The ball Mookie Wilson hit in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that brought Ray Knight home with the winning run – voted by fans as the most memorable moment in Shea Stadium history – will also be on display courtesy of the Seth Swirsky Collection.
The ball used in the first play at Shea Stadium in 1964 will be there along with Tommie Agee’s glove from the 1969 World Series.
Exhibits chronicle all facets of Mets history including the creation of the franchise, the work of broadcasting legends Ralph Kiner, Bob Murphy and Lindsey Nelson, and the championship seasons of 1969 and 1986.
“The Mets Hall of Fame & Museum honors the greatest players and greatest events in our history,” said Dave Howard, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, New York Mets. “The museum connects generations of fans to the moments they cherish and reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrate our heritage and history at Citi Field.”
Season Ticket and Plan Holders will have an exclusive first-look at the Mets Hall of Fame & Museum during the team’s workout day Sunday, April 4, starting at 9:30 a.m. The Mets will announce access to the museum on non-game days along with tour information in the coming weeks.
The Mets collaborated on the 3,700 square-foot museum with curators in Cooperstown and others. Among the memorabilia on display:
Tom Seaver’s 1967 Rookie of the Year Award
Tom Seaver’s 1969 Cy Young Award
Bob Murphy’s Ford C. Frick Award
Ralph Kiner’s Emmy Award
First ball put in play from first game at Shea Stadium
Ball from last out at Polo Grounds
Casey Stengel jersey from 1962
David Cone jersey from 19-strikeout game in 1991
Al Leiter jersey from 2000 World Series
Casey Stengel’s blazer from 1962
Tommie Agee’s glove from 1969 World Series
Rusty Staub’s bat used to get 8 straight pinch hits
Benny Agbayani’s bat used in 2000 World Series
Robin Ventura’s bats from 2 grand slams in doubleheader
Mike Piazza’s helmet from 2000 World Series
John Franco’s FDNY hat
Keith Hernandez’s 1987 Gold Glove Award
1986 Game 6 World Series ball
1969 World Series ring
1969 World Series press pins
1973 World Series press pins
Tom Seaver-Mike Piazza Citi Field ceremonial first pitch
Tom Seaver’s cap from 19-strikeout game
The Mets have partnered with Topps to bring a baseball card feel to the ballpark itself. Oversized Topps baseball cards showing the Mets’ lineup for the day will be placed atop the escalators and stairs in the Rotunda. There will also be Topps displays on the first- and third-base sides of the Field Level.
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