Bobby Valentine and the Mets' 9/11 Healing

Bobby Valentine is being honored with induction into the Mets Hall of Fame this Saturday — not just for his legendary on-field leadership, but for his profound role in healing New York City after 9/11. Managing the Mets during the darkest days, he stayed awake nights, rallied the team to play their first game back in New York on September 21st, and turned baseball into a beacon of hope. Security was tight, emotions raw, but Bobby calmed nerves, led by example, and turned Shea Stadium into a hub for relief efforts — with firefighters and police joining practices, and the whole team packing supplies for Ground Zero. He also co-founded Tuesday’s Children to support grieving kids. The Mets went on to win 79 games that season, and Bobby’s fiery energy and passion kept them united — even when Mike Piazza wore a disguise after being ejected, a move Bobby fully backed. Former teammates from that unforgettable 2001 team will be there to celebrate him — because Bobby wasn’t just a manager during a crisis; he was the right man at the right time, guiding the Mets through history’s toughest moment with grit, heart, and grace. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/47ebb7119e65ede3