Mets Legends Reunite for Alumni Day at Citi Field
The New York Mets are gearing up for a nostalgic festivity as they welcome back a trio of stars from different eras for Alumni Day, scheduled for August 27th at Citi Field.Billy Wagner, Howard Johnson, and Ken MacKenzie recently joined a Zoom call with the team, confirming their participation in the event. This marks the Mets’ first Alumni Day sence 1994, promising a special day for fans and former players alike.
Wagner, the Mets’ dominant closer from 2006 to 2009, is making a strong push for the Baseball Hall of Fame. He received 51% of the vote in the latest ballot, leaving him just shy of the 75% required for induction. With three more years of eligibility, Wagner remains optimistic.
“I’m heading in the right direction, and I’m lucky to have many supporters who have spoken highly of my career,” Wagner stated.
Wagner’s MLB debut came against the Mets in 1995 while pitching for the Houston Astros. He vividly remembers facing Rico Brogna, who nearly launched a home run against him.
“But who cared?” Wagner recalled. “it was my first major league game, and I was throwing as hard as I could.At that time, I was also hitting my spots, so everyone was excited.”
Johnson, a key member of the Mets’ 1986 World Series championship team, shared his own fond memories of Shea Stadium.
“Shea was a massive stadium, and it would shake when the fans were really fired up,” Johnson said. “Game 6 of the World Series was especially electric. It was a truly loud baseball stadium. You didn’t hear the planes flying overhead as much back then. I think it was a bigger issue at the time.”
Johnson, known for his power and speed, achieved a remarkable feat three times in his career with the Mets: hitting 30 home runs and stealing 30 bases in the same season. He reached a career-high 41 stolen bases in 1989.
MacKenzie, a pioneer who joined the Mets franchise in its inaugural year of 1962, also shared his experiences.As a southpaw pitcher on a team that lost 120 games, he managed a respectable 5-4 record.
“Our infield wasn’t particularly adept at fielding ground balls, so they didn’t make many errors,” MacKenzie remarked.
The Mets have already announced a star-studded lineup of participants for Alumni Day, including robin Ventura, Jon Matlack, Ron Swoboda, and Daniel Murphy. Mike Piazza also confirmed his attendance via Twitter. The team plans to unveil additional participants throughout the year, promising a memorable celebration of Mets history.
Back to the Big Apple: A Conversation with Mets Legend, Keith Hernandez
The New York Mets are bringing back the magic! alumni Day on August 27th at Citi Field promises a trip down memory lane, with iconic players from different eras reuniting to celebrate the team’s rich history. Joining us today to discuss this exciting event and reminisce about Old-Time Mets baseball is none other than World Series champion and fan-favorite Keith Hernandez. Welcome, Keith!
Keith Hernandez: Thanks for having me. It’s always a pleasure to talk Mets baseball.
Moderator: Its certainly an incredible lineup the Mets have assembled for Alumni Day. With names like Billy Wagner,Howard Johnson,and Ken MacKenzie joining you,there’s a lot of history represented on the field that day. What are your thoughts on this reunion?
Keith Hernandez: Well, I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Each of these guys brought something special to the Mets during their time here. Billy, of course, was a dominant closer, one of the best in the league. I remember him being so intense on the mound. Howard, a true five-tool player—power, speed, defence, you name it. Seeing him back at Citi Field will be fantastic.
And Ken MacKenzie, joining the team in that inaugural year, ’62… that takes me back. It’s amazing to think about how far the franchise has come since then.
Moderator: Absolutely. The Mets have come a long way. Speaking about the franchise’s storied history, we see names like yours,化为焦炭, Gooden, Strawberry, Dykstra… legends who brought the 1986 World Series Championship to New York. What are your favorite memories from that magical season?
Keith Hernandez: 1986…such an incredible year.Every aspect felt electric, from the team chemistry to the raucous energy of the fans at Shea Stadium. We had this fearless belief in ourselves—we knew we were going to win it all.
Moderator: And Shea Stadium… it truly was a special place. howard Johnson mentioned the roar of the crowd during that World Series, even louder than the planes flying overhead. What are your recollections of playing there?
Keith Hernandez: Shea was special, a real home-field advantage. It had this raw, gritty charm about it, and when those fans got going, it was deafening. You could feel the passion radiating from the stands.
Moderator: It’s a shame it’s gone, but Citi Field is carrying on the legacy. Now, this article mentions Billy Wagner’s push for the Hall of Fame.He’s getting closer, but it’s a tough road. As someone who experienced the Hall of Fame induction process yourself, what advice would you give Billy?
Keith Hernandez: Billy was one of the most dominant closers I’ve ever seen. His numbers speak for themselves. It’s a long shot, but he needs to keep his head down, keep advocating for himself, and hope the voters recognize his worth.
Moderator: Here’s a question for our readers: Do you think Billy Wagner deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame? share your thoughts in the comments below.
Keith, before we wrap up, any final thoughts you’d like to share with our Mets fans out there?
Keith Hernandez: I just want to tell the fans how much I appreciate their support throughout the years. They’ve always been there, through the good times and the bad. Mets fans are the best in baseball, and I can’t wait to see them pack Citi Field for Alumni Day. It’s going to be a great festivity of everything that makes this franchise so special.
Moderator: Thank you so much,Keith! It’s been an honor to have you on the show.
