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Mets To Honor New York City First Responders On September 11

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The Mets plan to honor New York City first responders on Tuesday when the club hosts the Nationals at Citi Field.

Players will wear the hats of city agencies during batting practice and the national anthem. New York began the tradition following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

"We want to thank Major League Baseball, Commissioner (Bud) Selig and Joe Torre for their support of honoring these agencies for their heroic actions that day," Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said in a statement.

The Gies family is scheduled to throw out the first pitch in honor of Ronnie Gies, a New York City firefighter based in Queens who was tragically killed on September 11.  Ronnie's wife, Carol, and her three sons -- Tommy, Ronnie and Bobby -- will take the hill for the ceremonial toss.

"I always tried to be at Shea or Citi Field on 9/11, because those were always our family's fondest memories," Carol Gies said in a statement. "My husband was a gigantic Mets fan, as is my entire family. We all think happy thoughts when we are at a Mets game."

Just as was the case last season, New York will be required to exchange their first responder hats for their standard hats once the game gets under way.

Last season, on the 10th anniversary of the attacks, the Mets and Major League Baseball found themselves mired in controversy when the league didn't allow players to wear first responder hats during the game.

Should be an inspirational and emotional evening at Citi Field. Offer your thoughts and comments in the section below...

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