By Field Level Media
The New York Mets will retire Hall of Fame outfielder Carlos Beltran’s No. 15 jersey in a pregame ceremony at Citi Field on Sept. 19 before the team plays the rival Philadelphia Phillies.
Beltran was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this year, with the induction in Cooperstown set for July 26. In February, the Hall announced that Beltran chose to have a Mets cap on his plaque.
“I want to thank (owners) Steve and Alex Cohen for this tremendous honor — it’s the highest possible tribute, and I truly feel blessed,” Beltran said in a statement. “The Mets hold a special place in my heart. This summer will be incredibly meaningful, from my induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame to this Mets Hall of Fame honor, with the cherry on top being my number retirement. I’m deeply grateful.”
Beltran played 839 of his 2,586 career games with the Mets across parts of seven seasons (2005-11). He earned five of his nine career All-Star selections while with New York. He played for six other clubs in a 20-year MLB career
Beltran also remains in a front office role with the Mets, as special assistant to president of baseball operations David Stearns.
The Mets will make Beltran their ninth player to have his retired number, following Tom Seaver (41), Mike Piazza (31), Jerry Koosman (36), Keith Hernandez (17), Willie Mays (24), Dwight Gooden (16), Darryl Strawberry (18) and David Wright (5).
The Mets said that outfielder Tyrone Taylor, currently assigned the No. 15 jersey, will change to No. 28.
–Field Level Media
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