When America Took the Field: Baseball's 2001 Return Archive

Chronological Scrubber: 2001 Resumption Journey

Event 4 of 7 • Sept 21, 2001 (Day 11)

SEPTEMBER 21, 2001 • SHEA STADIUM, QUEENS, NY

Mike Piazza's 8th-Inning Home Run Heals New York

Shea Stadium

NYM 3, ATL 2

WP: John Franco • LP: Steve Karsay • SV: Armando Benitez
Decisive Play: Mike Piazza 2-run HR (8th inn) to deep center field.

"I'm just so happy I gave the people something to cheer about. There are so many people here who lost family and friends."

— Mike Piazza, Mets Catcher

Ceremonies & Anthems

Liza Minnelli sings "New York, New York"; Diana Ross sings "God Bless America". Joint team embrace.

Uniform & Cap Tributes

Mets and Braves wore official NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD first-responder caps in place of standard MLB caps.

Historical Significance

First major professional sports event in NYC following 9/11; solidified baseball's emotional role in national healing.

Ballpark Tribute Explorer

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Active Milestone: Day 11: Baseball Returns to NYC

Stadium: Shea Stadium (NYM vs ATL)

Box Score Highlight: Mets 3, Braves 2 (W: John Franco, HR: Mike Piazza 8th inn)

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