9 NY Athletes Who Should Have Their Numbers Retired
By Daniel Friedman
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Mike Piazza finally got the call to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, which was a long time coming and well-deserved. However, it's time the Mets properly recognize their former centerpiece by retiring his number.
He and eight others are worthy of such treatment. Here are the ones I have in mind:
9. Brent Sutter, No. 20, Islanders
Sutter is an interesting choice. He ranks fifth all-time in goals and points in franchise history -- 53 fewer points than Clark Gillies in 178 fewer games.
8. Allan Houston, No. 20, Knicks
Houston is second all-time in 3-pointers (921) and fourth in points (11,165) in team history.
7. John MacLean, No. 15, Devils
He's the Devils' all-time leading goal scorer (407) and second in points (701).
6. Gary Carter, No. 8, Mets
This should've happened before he passed away. Carter was only in Flushing from 1985-89, but he did so much in those few years. Without "The Kid," the Mets would not have won the 1986 World Series.
5. Jean Ratelle, No. 19, Rangers
Ratelle scored the second-most goals (336), and ranks third in assists (481) and points (817) in team history.
4. Kevin Mawae, No. 68, Jets
Mawae was an eight-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. He was the best center in franchise history, and one of the better ones in the entire league in recent memory.
3. Mike Piazza, No. 31, Mets
He's arguably the best hitting catcher in the history of the sport. Piazza's .542 slugging percentage is also the highest ever recorded by a Met during his Flushing tenure.
PHOTOS: Mike Piazza Through The Years
2. Michael Strahan, No. 92, Giants
Strahan holds the NFL single-season sacks record (22.5) and has the most in team history (141.5). He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
1. Derek Jeter, No. 2, Yankees
He's the all-time leader in hits (3,465) and many other categories for a franchise loaded with legendary ballplayers. Jeter likely will get his number retired in the very near future.
Follow Daniel Friedman on Twitter @bardownhowitzer.
