The 20th anniversary of 9/11 will have a distinct New York-New York flavor.
A highlight of the 2021 MLB schedule, which will be released as soon as this week, is the Yankees and Mets playing each other at Citi Field on Sept. 11, according to an industry source. It will be the first time the Yankees and Mets have played each other on 9/11.
“I’m sure it will be a very emotional night as we continue to honor the legacy of those perished on 9/11/01,” Mike Piazza told The Post in a text message Tuesday. “As much as it is still very painful for me personally to reflect on the tragedy of the day’s events, we must never forget their sacrifice. MLB, as well as both New York teams, were particularly instrumental in the recovery process, so it is very appropriate they will be together that day.”
The Mets were in Pittsburgh on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center left 2,606 dead. The season was stopped by commissioner Bud Selig and resumed the following week, with the Mets returning to Pittsburgh.
In the first professional sporting event in New York following the attacks, the Mets faced the Braves on Sept. 21 at Shea Stadium. Piazza’s go-ahead homer in the eighth inning against Steve Karsay on that emotional night punctuated a Mets victory.
Marcus Stroman pitched two innings in a simulated game and surrendered a homer to Brandon Nimmo. In the afternoon, Rick Porcello became the last of the Mets starting pitchers to face hitters for the first time in camp.
Manager Luis Rojas was asked about Stroman, whose physique has caught the Mets’ attention.
“I didn’t notice his shape well until today,” Rojas said. “Everyone noticed he’s in good shape, but maybe even better than what I saw with my own eyes the first day. He looked really in shape, like he put some good work into it.”
It was noticeable to Rojas that the right-hander is hanging his leg during his delivery in an attempt to disrupt timing.
Jared Hughes has still not reported to camp, according to Rojas. The veteran reliever was signed by the Mets last week and added to the 60-player pool.
J.D. Davis worked out at third base for the first time after spending earlier days of camp in left field. Davis might also see time at DH.
“We’ve had some discussions now that the schedule is out, strategically how we are going to do this,” Davis said. “We haven’t come up with an actual solution or strategy, but the conversations have started and the reps started today at third base.”
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