Remembering Mets History (2004) Mike Piazza Night- Mets Honor the All Time HR Hitting Catcher

Friday June 18th, 2004: Mike Piazza Night- On this night the New York Mets paid tribute to future Hall of Famer; Mike Piazza. On May 5th, Piazza had just become the MLB All Time HR leader among catchers after hitting his 352nd HR at the position.

To Honor Piazza, some of the greatest living catchers in the history of the game were on hand to pay their tributes.  Among the greats were: The 1986 World Champion Mets catcher Gary Carter. Former Boston Red Sox / Chicago White Sox Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. The Big Red Machine's Hall of famer Johnny Bench. Former Mets player/ coach & 1973 NL Champion Mets manager, the legendary Yogi Berra. 

Also on hand were former Detroit Tigers catcher & a current coach on the Tigers, Lance Parrish. Future Hall of Famer, Texas Rangers & Florida Marlins catcher Ivan Rodriguez. 

Another honorary guest was Mike Piazza's lifetime family friend & former Los Angeles Dodgers Manager; Tommy Lasorda. 

Mets broadcaster Ralph Kiner, Jeff Wilpon & GM Jim Duquette were there along with Piazza's friend Heavy Metal radio disc jockey Eddie Trunk.

 A commemorative poster featuring Piazza with the #352 representing his record-breaking HR total, was given out to the fans, in which centerfieldmaz was in attendance.

Before the game, there was a ceremony hosted by Gary Cohen, who gave the introductions to the all-time great catchers.  Piazza as given a Chevy roadster, other gifts as well as home plate from his historic record setting game. 

It was announced that the bat he used to hit the HR would be displayed at Cooperstown in the Hall of Fame. Mets Captain John Franco led his current teammates onto the field presenting him with a huge bottle of wine & a cartier watch.

Tommy Lasorda then introduced Mike Piazza, as he gave his speech thanking everyone from the catchers, his family, the Mets, his girlfriend & the 36,141 fans that attended the ceremony.

After the pregame ceremony Art Howe's third place Mets (32-34) hosted an inter league game with Alan Trammel's fourth place Detroit Tigers (31-35) in front of 36,141 paid at Shea Stadium.

The starting pitchers were Tom Glavine (7-3) for the Mets up against the Tigers' Nate Robinson (5-3).

In the top of the 1st, the Tigers Brad Inge & Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez both singled. With two outs, Rondell White doubled scoring Inge to make it 1-0. As Delvin Young also tried to score, Met centerfielder, Mike Cameron threw a bullet to Kazo Matsui who then threw to Piazza behind the plate, tagging out Young at home for the third out. The crowd erupted in excitement as Piazza the man of night, made a fine defensive play. 

In the bottom of the 1st, Piazza collected a two out single into centerfield, getting another big ovation from the crowd.

In the 4th inning, Dimitri Young struck again with a solo HR making it 2-0 Tigers.

In the bottom of the 5th, Ty Wigginton & Mike Cameron both singled. Jason Phillips then moved the runners over. Pitcher, Tom Glavine singled tying up the game at 2-2. 

Trivia: In 2004, Glavine would bat .204 & drive in eight runs. In his career he had 90 RBIs & batted .186.

Mets Relievers Ricky Bottalico & Braden Looper held down the Tigers to the 9th inning, pitching a scoreless inning each.

In the bottom of the 8th, with two outs Todd Zeile singled & Piazza followed with his second hit of the night. But Cliff Floyd struck out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the 9th Tiger pitcher; Danny Paterson retired Richard Hidalgo & Ty Wigginton for the first two outs. Mike Cameron stepped in & honored Piazza in his own way, as he blasted an exciting walk off HR over the left center field fence. The Shea fans went wild in one of the most exciting games of the disappointing season.

Mike Cameron would collect a walk off base hit the following night against Patterson as well.