NEW YORK — The Mets wore uniform patches Saturday honoring Willie Mays and Jerry Grote that may stay on all their jerseys for the remainder of the season.
A round patch with Mays’ No. 24 was added to the left sleeve of the Metropolis Join tops New York wore for its house sport towards the Houston Astros. Mays, who died on June 18, concluded his Corridor of Fame profession with the Mets from 1972-73 and had his quantity retired by the membership on Outdated Timers’ Day two years in the past.
“Placing the patch on the uniform is one other clear indication by the Mets that they appreciated and valued the contributions my dad made to the group and for that matter to New York Metropolis,” Mays’ son, Michael, stated in an announcement.
On the suitable sleeve, Grote’s No. 15 joined “Buddy No. 3” in a pair of diamond-shaped logos on an oblong patch the workforce already had been carrying this season in tribute to former shortstop Bud Harrelson, who died in January.
Grote, a longtime Mets catcher famend for his elite protection, died in April.
Every a two-time All-Star, Grote and Harrelson had been teammates in New York from 1966 to 1977 and helped lead the Miracle Mets to their 1969 World Sequence championship.
“It has been a tricky 12 months for our Mets household,” house owners Steve and Alex Cohen stated. “We have misplaced two Mets Corridor of Famers in Buddy Harrelson and Jerry Grote and the good Willie Mays. Jerry was the very best defensive catcher within the historical past of our group and guided the unimaginable 1969 pitching employees.”
Grote broke into the large leagues with Houston earlier than becoming a member of the Mets. His household was at Citi Area to have fun his profession.
“It means a lot to the Grote household that the Mets are remembering Jerry’s legacy,” stated his spouse, Cheryl, and son, Jeff. “Jerry nonetheless has so many followers in New York and it makes us proud that what he did for the group won’t be forgotten.”
