Mike Piazza is miffed that the New York Mets sold the jersey he was wearing the night of September 21, 2001—the first game after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Mets may be trying to buy it back.
Piazza’s game-winning homer that night lifted a city still reeling from the attacks that brought down the World Trade Center.
The jersey was by the team several years ago—something they now regret. A private collector purchased it, then loaned it back to the team for display at CitiField. With Piazza now a Hall of Famer, that collector consigned it to Goldin Auctions. Bidding opened this week and the jersey has already hit $51,000—without the buyer’s premium. It’s likely bidding—if it continues—will stretch well into six figures.
In an interview with the New York Post Tuesday, Piazza says he contacted Mets ownership to express his dismay.
“While it never should have left Citi Field, they have assured me that contact with the seller has been made and they are making a concerted effort to get the jersey back,” Piazza stated. “I’m hopeful that an agreement can be reached and we can give back to the fans and all New Yorkers a piece of that evening that was more than just a game.’’
The jersey has an American flag patch on the back collar as well as 9-11-01 and American flags embroidered on the right sleeve. Piazza’s autograph is on the back of the jersey.
Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions says Goldin is hoping someone will buy it and turn it over to the 9/11 Memorial Museum or the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Bidding in the auction, which includes over 70 other high-value items, is scheduled to continue through April 30 and conclude with live bidding at a New York restaurant.