
Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images
This Saturday, September 11, 2021 was an extremely emotional day in the United States and especially in New York. Twenty years ago, the terrorist attacks of the 9/11 they left an eternal wound.
In the 9/11 commemoration in the Big Apple, Yankees and Mets they met at Citi Field in Queens in a new episode of the “Subway Series.” But this time with much more than baseball around.
Sports helped ease the pain in 2001 or at least helped to get life in New York back to business as usual. The Sept. 21 game at the defunct Shea Stadium between the Mets and Braves was the first mass audience event since the fall of the Twin Towers.
There were many tears, patriotic screams and, as confessed the hero of that memorable game, Mike Piazza, “much fear” in the environment.
This Saturday, the game was the Yankees visiting the Mets. The second meeting in the series was preceded by a ceremony deep in memories and emotions.
One of the most emotional moments was when everyone the members of both teams exchanged fraternal hugs and then they stood together to listen to the national anthem.
One unified New York. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/deKwMnBPCd
– New York Mets (@Mets) September 11, 2021
One unified New York. pic.twitter.com/Crp9K4Ll0N
– New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 11, 2021
After a moment of silence that lasted 37 seconds, the national anthem was performed by the Pal Cops & Kids Choir of New York.
A moment of silence for those who lost their lives 20 years ago. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/OH2NoL2A3u
– FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 11, 2021
The Star-Spangled Banner performed by New York City Pal Cops & Kids Choir 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XuvQ3pTwtZ
– FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 11, 2021
Joe Torre and Bobby Valentine, the Yankees and Mets managers when the 9/11 attack occurred, were part of the emotional ceremony by throwing the first ball.
Bobby Valentine and Joe Torre threw out the ceremonial first pitch for tonight’s game.
Goosebumps. #NeverForget
pic.twitter.com/z8zD8UhKah– Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 11, 2021
Aaron Judge was one of the players who paid tribute to the police, firefighters and other heroes of 9/11. Many of them lost their lives. Players and coaches wore NYPD and FDNY caps.
Judge’s cleats pay tribute to our brave first responders. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/12YEuFNStY
– New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 11, 2021
We will always remember. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/IQ4TxmhpQX
– New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 11, 2021
The Yankees scored five times in the second inning and the Mets responded immediately with three runs in a good game. Both teams seek the playoffs in the final stretch of the season.
But this Saturday, the game had more meaning, like 20 years ago. It was for New York and the victims of 9/11. They will never forget.