On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 lives were tragically lost in the terrorist attacks that shook the United States. In the days that followed, the nation grieved, united, and searched for moments of hope amid heartbreak.
Baseball, like the rest of the country, came to a halt. MLB suspended play through September 16, pushing the regular season back and delaying the start of the postseason. But when the games finally resumed, sports became a source of healing, none more than what unfolded on September 21, 2001, at Shea Stadium.
That night, the Mets returned home to face their rivals, the Atlanta Braves, in the first sporting event in New York City since the attacks. More than 41,000 fans filled Shea Stadium, carrying the weight of grief and uncertainty. By 6 p.m., many were already in their seats as the distant sound of the NYPD’s bagpipe band drifted through the air.
At 7 p.m., the left-field gates opened and first responders in uniform marched onto the field, carrying American flags to thunderous chants of “U-S-A.” Diana Ross followed with a stirring rendition of God Bless America, her voice echoing with emotion. Then Marc Anthony delivered the national anthem, drawing another wave of “U-S-A” chants as players lined up along the baselines. When the ceremonies ended, the cops and firefighters exited through the center-field gate to a standing ovation. The stage was set for a night unlike any other.
Reliving Mike Piazza’s Post-9/11 Home Run
In the eighth inning, with the Mets trailing 2–1, Mike Piazza stepped to the plate against Braves reliever Steve Karsay. Expecting a breaking ball, Piazza instead got a fastball, and crushed it 425 feet to left-center field for a go-ahead two-run homer.
Karsay didn’t bother turning around. He knew the outcome.
“There are a few where you hit it and you just know,” Piazza recalled.
Mike Piazza’s home run in the first baseball game on New York soil after the attacks on September 11th helped a nation heal.
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— SNY (@SNYtv) September 11, 2025
As the eventual Hall of Famer rounded the bases, Shea Stadium erupted. Fans who had walked in with solemn faces now shouted, cried, and embraced. For a city desperately in need of release, the home run was more than just a clutch hit; it was a symbol of resilience, pride, and hope.
“It was just this incredible release of emotion,” Piazza said. “It became evidently clear that people just wanted to cheer about something.”
Even the Braves felt it. Greg Maddux, Atlanta’s starter that night, later reflected on the experience. “It seems only fitting that Mike hit a game-winning home run,” he said. “You never like to lose, but that was one that was pretty easy to accept.”
Twenty-four years later, Piazza’s swing still resonates. It wasn’t just about winning a September baseball game during a playoff chase; it was about lifting spirits, offering unity, and reminding everyone of the healing power of sports.
That night, one swing gave a city hope. Every September 11 since, the Mets have honored first responders on the field. They’ve done this by wearing FDNY and NYPD caps, holding ceremonies, and remembering those lost. Every year, Mike Piazza’s post-9/11 homer replays. Not just as a highlight, but as a reminder of how sports can help heal, inspire, and bring people together.
Main Photo Credit: © Andy Marlin-Imagn Images
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