“My number will be up in the rafters for eternity”: Former 1B Keith Hernandez humbled as New York Mets retire No. 17 Jersey

“My number will be up in the rafters for eternity”: Former 1B Keith Hernandez humbled as New York Mets retire No. 17 Jersey

Keith Hernandez

A packed house awaited Keith Hernandez to give his final speech for a very rare and precious time as his career comes to an end. Hernandez was a rock steady leader for the New York Mets championship team. He got a special chance to retire the jersey ahead of a game before Miami Marlins.

“This is just a great moment for me,” Hernandez said from a podium between the pitcher’s mound and second base according to ESPN. “I never dreamed I’d be here this long, in the organization. I am absolutely humbled and proud that my number will be up in the rafters for eternity.” Just moments later, Hernandez was in for a surprise, as a No. 17 in blue with orange trim was unveiled at the Citi Field roof in the left-field corner.

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“I’m overwhelmed”: Keith Hernandez cherishes retirement moments

Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez

Keith Hernandez, for 7 of his 17 major league seasons, was with New York Mets from 1983 to 1989. He also went on to batte for third at the 1986 World Series champions. Hernandez ranked second in Mets annals with a batting average of .297 and 10th in RBIs. He won a team-record 6 of his 11 Gold Gloves at first base in New York and was elected to the Mets’ Hall of Fame in 1997.

Fans came together with the no. 17 jersey in a ja packed stadium to celebrate his glorious career. “He practically rewrote the manual on how to play first base,” Mets radio announcer Howie Rose said. “He didn’t simply play first base, he performed it — a virtuoso.” Hernandez on the other hand was emotional. “Hopefully I’ll get through it in five minutes, if I don’t break down.”

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