Keith Hernandez Got Emotional Ahead Of Mets Jersey Retirement

Keith Hernandez is a former American Major League Baseball player. He is a first baseman who played most of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. This is one of the most deserving days in franchise history as Keith Hernandez’s no. 17 was retired by the Mets on July 9, Saturday. This means no other player from the Met will ever get a jersey number with Hernandez moving forward and rightfully so.

Hernandez spoke to the press conference in the Met room at Citi Field on Saturday afternoon before his on -field ceremony and speech in front of his beloved fans. But as expected, Hernandez who played for the Mets from the years 1983- 1989, got a bit emotional and choked up while talking. Keith Hernandez’s age is 68 now but earlier during his playing days, he is easily one of the most crucial players among all in the franchise history. In 1996 after winning their first World Series title, the Mets, at last, returned to the state of “lovable losers” in the 70s lately and early 80s. But in the summer of 1983, all things altered when the team got the St. Louis Cardinals’ MVP calibre as their first baseman.

Keith Hernandez’s stats and history in the baseball franchise is a proof of his bright career and contribution in the game to come to an end with his retirement on Saturday. He played 17 seasons for the Cardinals, Mets and Indians. He had a batting average of .296, made 2,182 hits, scored 162 home runs, with 1,071 RBIs and 1,124 runs scored. He won 11 Gold Glove awards, 1 MVP award, 2 Silver Slugger awards and 2 World Series.

Hernandez said in a news conference before Saturday afternoon’s game at Citi Field. He said that he prepared his speech that morning. He is a great procrastinator. He woke up at 8 a.m., had a coffee, and then sat down for around an hour and did the speech again. He also told me that it would hit him when he is out there. He just drove in right then and saw all the number 17 jerseys out there which is kind of touching and nice to him.

Keith Hernandez’s wife, daughters, Jesse, Melissa, and Mary, and his brother, Gary, attended to honor his legacy. His former teammates from the 1986 team, Mookie Wilson, Tim Teufel, and Ron Darling also attended the ceremony. Former Mets great and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza was also present. Later Hernandez gave a touching speech. He thanked his former teammates, family, and friends while recollecting his memories from his career in New York. The theme of the day was Hernandez himself. His name, image, and jersey number were highlighted throughout the stadium, even the scoreboard and digital displays were the same. The number 17 was carved into the grass in the center of the field and a large picture of Hernandez playing first base covered the home plate.