Mike Piazza's Dad Trying To Buy 9/11 Jersey, Donate It To Hall Of Fame
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets admitted this week they made a mistake by selling the jersey Mike Piazza was wearing when he hit his iconic home run in the team's first home game following 9/11. Now Piazza's father is trying to undo that error.
Vince Piazza told the New York Post he is trying to purchase the jersey from Goldin Auctions and donate it to the baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
A LOOK BACK: Piazza Recalls First Post-9/11 Game
"Mike is on board," Vince Piazza told the newspaper. "My God, it's not right what is going on here. That thing belongs in the Hall of Fame. It belongs to all the fans of baseball. That home run was so important, not only for New York, but for the entire country."
On Sept. 21, 2001, Piazza hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to seal a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves. That moment has been widely credited for lifting the spirts of many New Yorkers following the attacks on the World Trade Center.
The jersey was brought to Goldin Auctions, which is now accepting bids online, by the world's biggest Mets collector, who purchased the jersey from the team in a private auction three years ago. The collector had since loaned the jersey to the Mets to display in their Citi Field museum.
As of Thursday, the highest bid on the jersey was $86,000.
Ken Goldin, president of Goldin Auctions, told the Post his company has never sold an item before an auction closing date but he is willing to make an exception if the buyer agrees to donate the jersey. Bidding is scheduled to end April 30.
Earlier this week, Piazza made his first public comments since the jersey was placed on the auction block, telling the Post: "I'm very disappointed with the situation regarding my game jersey from September 21st, 2001.
"I've expressed my feelings to Jeff (Wilpon) and the Mets. And while it never should have left Citi Field, they have assured me that contact with the seller has been made and they are making a concerted effort to get the jersey back. I'm hopeful that an agreement can be reached and we can give back to the fans and all New Yorkers a piece of that evening that was more than just a game."
In a statement to the Post on Tuesday, a Mets spokesperson said: "We made a mistake in selling the jersey and Jeff called Mike to express our regret in so doing. We have dedicated a section in the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate Mike's achievements and his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and are exploring memorabilia to display in that area."
Goldin told the New York Daily News the Mets have spoken with him about buying the jersey back but have not made an offer.
Piazza was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in January. He will be enshrined in July.
