Mets cap will adorn Mike Piazza’s Hall of Fame plaque

Ken Griffey Jr. was straightforward with his Hall of Fame cap selection: His plaque in Cooperstown will have a Seattle Mariners logo and won’t portray him with the brim toward the rear, the way he wore it so often. He spent eight of his 16 seasons with the Mets after starting his career with seven years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Griffey got the most votes ever for a player being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with 99.3 percent of the votes, and Mike Piazza received 83 percent of the votes.

This week represents a joyous time for Griffey, who was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday.

The 1,390th player drafted in 1988, Mike Piazza was originally a first baseman until moved by legendary manager Tommy Lasorada behind the plate where he never looked back, changing the way catchers are looked at for the rest of time.

The 1,028 hits, 220 home runs and six All-Star appearances while playing in Queens are worthy of celebration on their own merits, but Piazza delivered a transcendent sporting moment in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks. But he spent more time with the Mets, experienced postseason success with the Mets, and his counting stats – most importantly his homers – were higher as a Met. If some see that as a tie, Piazza’s relationship with the Mets fans and his continued connection to the organization put the Mets over the top. He also had shorter stints with the Florida Marlins, San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics.

“I was able to sneak into this game, kind of limp in, if you will”, Piazza said.

The Mariners signed right-handed reliever Ryan Cook to a one-year deal Thursday just hours after releasing right-hander Anthony Bass in accordance with his desire to pursue an opportunity to pitch in Japan.

Griffey’s 24 will hang alongside Jackie Robinson’s 42 in the outfield, an honor that Junior more than appreciated. Because while Griffey’s Hall of Fame election is an accomplishment worth celebrating, it’s also worth remembering that we nearly lost greatness way too soon.

“We’ve got big plans, ” Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said.

“We play to go win games and have fun and be competitive and not embarrass ourselves”. Both men will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer. You know, I think this game is amusing.

Griffey flew in from NY and was greeted by a red carpet and Mariners staff welcoming him as he walked into the stadium. “I kind of told him what I was thinking”.

Piazza returned to Ladder 3 on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. Piazza finished his career with a lifetime. An inning later on June 14, 1997, Piazza hit a two-run drive, part of a 4-for-4 night in the Dodgers’ 9-8 loss to Seattle.