What a sad day today is. Former New York Mets Catcher, Mike Piazza, has officially retired from the game of baseball. Piazza is the sole reason I became a Mets Fan. I grew up following players (Juan Gone, Junior, The Big Hurt etc) and Mike Piazza grew to be my favorite, so it was only natural that I followed him to the New York Mets. Piazza had the sweetest swing I have ever seen. One crack and you knew immediately where the ball was headed.
Piazza's farewell to the fan bases he played for:
"I can’t say goodbye without thanking the fans. I can’t recall a time in my career where I didn’t feel embraced by all of you. Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland and Miami - whether it was at home or on the road, you were all so supportive over the years. But I have to say that my time with the Mets wouldn’t have been the same without the greatest fans in the world. One of the hardest moments of my career, was walking off the field at Shea Stadium and saying goodbye. My relationship with you made my time in New York the happiest of my career and for that, I will always be grateful."
"So today, I walk away with no regrets. I knew this day was coming and over the last two years, I started to make my peace with it. For 19 years, I gave it my all and left everything on the field."
"God bless and thanks for a wonderful ride."
I knew his career would come to an end, obviously, but its crazy to witness these things. Once Frank Thomas, Ken Griffey, and Larry "Chipper" Jones follow suit, that will be the end of my child hood heroes. Time flies... I just wanted to take this time to honor one of my most favorite players growing up... Good luck with retirement Mike!! Hopefully the Mets do right by you and retire that jersey number... Go Mets