The Mets announced Saturday morning that they’ll debut two new jersey patches honoring the lives of Willie Mays and Jerry Grote. The team will wear the patches for the first time against the Houston Astros at 4:10 p.m.
The jersey patches will be an addition to the one currently on the uniforms honoring Buddy Harrelson.
It has been a tough year for our Mets family, said Steve and Alex Cohen in a statement. Weve lost two Mets Hall of Famers in Buddy Harrelson and Jerry Grote and the great Willie Mays. Jerry was the best defensive catcher in the history of our organization and guided the incredible 1969 pitching staff. We were honored to fulfill Joan Paysons promise to retire Willies number on Old Timers Day a few years ago and make sure he has a permanent home in New York.
Grote passed earlier in the year at age 81 on April 7. The two-time All-Star and 1969 World Series champion was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 1992 after catching 12 years (1966-1977) for the team.
“It means so much to the Grote family that the Mets are remembering Jerrys legacy, his wife Cheryl and son Jeff said in a statement. Jerry still has so many fans in New York and it makes us proud that what he did for the organization will not be forgotten.
Mays passed away on June 18 at age 93. The 24-time All-Star and two-time MVP played the final two seasons of his Hall of Fame career with the Mets in 1972 and 1973. New York retired Mays No. 24 on August 27, 2022.
Putting the patch on the uniform is another clear indication by the Mets that they appreciated and valued the contributions my dad made to the organization and for that matter to New York City, Willies son, Michael Mays said in a statement. For my father, coming back to the Mets was coming back to where it all started. He was coming home. I want to thank Alex and Steve Cohen for honoring the pledge that Joan Payson made to retire his number. That meant a great deal to him and our family. Lets Go Mets.