MLBN Presents: Piazza's Home Run After September 11th

In the first game back in New York after September 11th, Mike Piazza hit the biggest home run of his career in a game against the Braves.
Hosted by Bob Costas, MLB Network Presents is a series of documentaries and access-driven profiles that air during the off-season on MLB Network.

[@NathanDav42]

I'm a 3rd generation Yankees fan who grew up on Long Island hating the Mets about as much as I hated (and hate) the Red Sox. The 2000 Subway World Series was perhaps the most stressful period of my life as a sports fan, as my high school devolved into a sort of sports civil war, with not only students but also teachers on opposite sides. I bring this personal history up to show that the Yankees/Mets rivalry was still in a very intense place in 2001, and Mike Piazza’s home run completely transcended not only the rivalry, but sports entirely. Piazza's game-winning home run made me proud as a New Yorker, an American, a baseball fanatic, and a human being. He showed that sports can lift us up, and unite us, and while Piazza's correct in saying that he's not a hero, and certainly not in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and the countless heroes of that day and the days to follow, his ACTION was heroic. FDR famously told MLB commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis that baseball should continue during World War II, believing that it was more important than ever that Americans have some kind of pastime to cope with the bad news and the horrors of war. Mike Piazza gave New Yorkers a reason to feel good again, and gave us all 'permission,' to go back to caring about things as trivial as sports. This is one of the most important moments in baseball history, and perhaps even one of the most important in New York history as a whole. I smiled when I saw Piazza’s HR at the time, and I still smile when I watch it to this day.

[@NathanDav42]

Cait E. Thanks for taking the time to read it!

[@alvalankerofficial]

Amen man

[@tedcoach4516]

HD L well said. Go Mets

[@Brooklyn3955]

@H L - Wow. I love baseball, baseball history and New York baseball history. I believe Piazza's home run is arguably one of the greatest in MLB history and absolutely one of the most important ever hit in NYC. I agree with everything you stated above. I'm not a Yankee fan, but your comment shows how well you understood the moment and your ability to let the whole Met/Yankee thing go and see things for what they - and that gets pure respect from me. Well said.

[@TL2354]

You’re an idiot. There’s no reason to hate the Mets that much. They’re not rivals and why worry about a shitty, 2nd rate organization like that? You proved that you know nothing

[@oeao2841]

as a Braves fan I was happy...it was beyond baseball at that moment

[@fundude4566]

If i could choose one sporting event in history to go to this game would be it.

[@bear9219]

MANCHESTER UNITED baseball is big in a lot of countries and is probably a top 3-4 sport worldwide. It is a very popular sport in both North and South America as well as a size-able part of Asia

[@NathanDav42]

MANCHESTER UNITED Yeah that’s totally not a non-sequitur at all. This poster from 2-years ago was clearly throwing down a gauntlet at soccer fans and claiming it is less popular and less worthwhile. You totally didn’t bring your own baggage here for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

[@TheJustjim3333]

@MANCHESTER UNITED F.C soccer cures insomnia

[@airballerstv1673]

@@bear9219 Top 3-4 sport? Are u joking. Its not even close.

[@stetsonisnumerouno1022]

@M yet here you are complaining about American sports like most soccer fans do (yes soccer.) Notice how your most beloved sports are so popular in Europe yet only a spec of the population in America bats an eye at them, must be tough.

[@ReklawLah]

Mike Piazza is an American Hero.

[@futuregohan4837]

Of Italian Descent

[@kigasixtyfive]

@@futuregohan4837 ok and Italian people are really common in America lol. America the most diverse country baby.

[@papillonvu]

It’s 17 years later... I’m not even American... and im watching this with tears in my eyes!

[@tedcoach4516]

papillon me too!!!!!

[@noahbland9940]

papillon 18 😢

[@xThatTributeGuyx]

Same man

[@SDSOne]

Thanks... Emotions DO transcend nations... Just saying.... I mean im fairly sure many Americans have been sad or emotional over something that happened in another country... Anyway yeah its a great moment. Thanks for your post.

[@skinheadyouth66]

Lost my brother and cousin in the towers. Mike Piazza you are the best thank you !!!

[@alvalankerofficial]

Jesus 17 years later and I get chills..

[@dddlll2471]

I'm a Yankee fan and would usually never watch the Mets but being a New Yorker and going through 10 days of hell watching the news seeing how many firefighters and civilians died watching funeral procession after funeral procession I turned on the Mets feeling depressed but saying what the heck it's New York let's check it out and Mike Piazza hit that home run just to see all those New Yorkers erupt into happiness was just amazing

[@SDSOne]

Most importantly you would never watch the Mets normally. It's important to know... If you just said you are a Yankees fan but enjoyed it and felt good about it, we'd all be thinking "this guy must watch the Mets allllll the time". 😉😏

[@SgtPrice1000]

There have been some truly iconic home runs hit over the history of this sport. 756, Gibson on One Leg, Joe Carter's walkoff, The Shot Heard 'Round the World... There have been NONE bigger than this one. As ESPN put it the next day, "How do you measure the healing power of a swing?"

[@xLoCKeDxAnDxLoADeDx]

Literally crying watching this as a Red Sox fan after game 4 of the 2018 World Series . This is deeper than sports.

[@Mike-rh8ii]

20 years later this is still so moving, I remember that he like it was yesterday. Thank you Mike, we needed that

[@davebark734]

I had to watch it again today, just like you. Still tears in my eyes ...what a moment in time. I will Never Forget!

[@Mike-rh8ii]

@@davebark734 if Piazza were throwing out the first pitch tonight that would be perfectly fitting

[@scottyp2505]

You are a hero Piazza, I’m a Yankee fan and this night I was a Mets fan and couldn’t be happier when he hit that home run

[@nickcproductions7453]

I can’t stand that one dislike..

[@dirty9er415]

There's always that one hair in your soup!

[@jackoverton2254]

it was probably a terrorist

[@tonyskywalker1974]

2 Braves fans

[@johngonzalez4298]

Now 4 🤔

[@lhaviland8602]

Truthers.

[@PiazzaGurl]

This game was something to always remember, for me at least. I was getting sick and nauseous just watching the news 24/7. And the Mets coming back to play 2 weeks later, that was the best ever. Mike hitting that HR was to give us something to smile about. Many of us who felt torn into pieces were smiling and cheering. And what Mike doesn't get is that NY got to watch an amazing game from one of their most beloved and amazing players. I don't think the reaction would've been the same if someone else hit that homer.

[@NathanDav42]

PiazzaGurl I have to disagree: it meant more because Mike Piazza hit it. A true fan always roots for his/her team to win, but he/she also has a few favorite players. For instance, I'm a Yankees fan and today if you told me a Yankee hit a game-winning walk-off HR, but didn't tell me who hit it, I'd wish it was Aaron Judge. If it was instead hit by Neil Walker, I'd be thrilled for the victory, I just always want the biggest hits/plays to be made by my personal favorites. I've never really met a big-time sports fan who doesn't have a favorite player (or a few). Yes, fans would have been ecstatic if Robin Ventura hit that home run, BUT they'd be (and were) happier because it was Piazza. Bill Simmons mentions how a great player can be so great, that we start to expect them to come through in the biggest moments, and if/when they do, then they become legendary. In that game back in 2001, the Mets fans expected something special when Piazza stepped to the plate, and he didn't disappoint. What a special player that man was, and what a special moment.

[@grehhet161]

so you disagreed and then agreed with piazzagurl?

[@plartoota4584]

The home run that healed a nation

[@sunshine_tidings6983]

Anyone: baseball isn't the greatest sport Me: this video

[@ChiefsGirlSince1989]

Still makes me cry in 2021

[@nyosito]

Most emotional and powerful moment in sport I’ve ever witnessed in person. It was a scary decision to make to go to the game, but now looking back 20 years later, it was the right one.

[@jayblue2317]

Still makes my throat clench and hold back tears, it was such an emotional moment that everyone in that stadium and watching that game felt.

[@grehhet161]

remembering watching this as a kid brought tears to my eyes. the roar of the crowd gives me goosebumps. i remember it vividly from back in the day and hearing it again was still intense. what a great moment in mlb history and i am glad to have been able to see it live. as soon as he hit it, my mom and i were both on our feet cheering. he was my favorite player already but this game made him a legend

[@evanshade19]

I'm a Phillies fan, I absolutely despise the Mets. But damn it, this is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. 🇺🇸

[@BarryGoldberg79]

Gives me goosebumps and watery eyes every time I watch it. It is a top 3 baseball moment for me.

[@dowrecords3731]

😭😭😭😭tears watching this again. Mike Piazza, we love you.

[@Thrasherstonegaming]

Legends always claim they are not a hero...

[@mikeysawchyn9415]

I will never forget this moment and the only reason i saw it was because the phillies didnt play till the next day , the only time ive ever cheered for a met and im happy i did

[@orangescoop13]

Special. I am going to watch this every year.

[@eastcoastjersey]

Love you Mike!!

[@michaelrainone296]

Cried my ass off!! Bravo Mike.

[@Dcvillnz]

Thank you Mike 🙏

[@PhilMaurielloJr]

Still gives me goosebumps 18 years later.

[@rkt2899]

Not just one of the biggest moments in Piazza’s career, as the narrator says, it was one of the biggest moments in the history of baseball. 🇺🇸

[@maxsmiley7191]

What a great moment in American sports History and history itself, I love watching this over and over and Miracle on Ice, Thanks Mike Piazza

[@zacht4405]

I can’t help but look at all the fans after that swing. Just raw emotion and a overall sense of hope revived in so many of them

[@jameslisle7775]

God bless New York, The Mets, and America! ❤️❤️🙏

[@jpwjr1199]

I was there - went by myself. Great decision. Happy to have been there along the LF field foul pole that night.

[@ankitmody3454]

Same here buddy! I was in the upper deck between home and 1B. Took photos with my old film camera that I have in an album I will always cherish.

[@TheMotz55]

I grew up in Queens during the 60s rooting for the Mets when they were terrible. Then, the amazing Mets of 1969 united New York after they came out of nowhere to win the World Series. When Mike Piazza hit that home run, it meant a comeback for New York and America.

[@AliceInPantera]

I’ve got a few man tears brewing right now. Such a beautiful and important moment involving such a humble hero. LGM

[@mkchomponthis]

thank you, mike.

[@MrT1ki]

It's more than just a game.

[@KadeemG61]

Mike Piazza truly delivered a hall of fame moment.

[@raymondkobel6588]

I was there. Till this day when I see a video about this game I shed a tear them smile

[@martincapriotti3433]

Piazza is a humble man and he made many Americans Proud that day, Thank you Mike.

[@smoakezmusic]

Mike piazza 🤘🏼

[@dstrauss]

Was just thinking about this game, and this home run, and how it healed a city. And sports at that point had just been gone for 10 days. Can you imagine what it will be like that first game back for an entire nation? Months without sports, and hopefully one day in the not distant future we feel safe again to congregate in crowds. It will be a moment none of us will ever forget.

[@jillyhawk]

Absolutrly amazing & thrilling. Gave America hope again, for some normalcy after the terror. Cousin Mark Piazza & wife Pauline Piazza arre my best friends. Proud moment for the Piazza clan, no doubt. I love Mike's humble attitude. He was one n of the greatest major league catchers & sluggers of all time. And his Hall of Fame induction speech is priceless & poignant. Thanks Mike. I adored watching you play for Dodger Blue & the NY Mets!!

[@hobokenjoe30]

This. This is what truly made me a Mets fan, and more importantly a Piazza fan

[@pmccservices]

VERY NICELY DONE, and I too get chills just thinking about it. That home run ball didn't just go over the fence, it disappeared into the night.

[@hunterwhitley9582]

I'm a die-hard Brave, and I was cheering for them. After what the city of New York went through 10 days prior, they needed that. Shit, the entire USA needed that one. Such a wonderful moment that I'll never forget.

[@Sarah-ei4sw]

19 years later and it’s still devastating.

[@TwirlGirl2197]

And as a Braves fan, it is the one game I am thrilled we lost. New York needed that win so much more than we did that day.

[@TREEHUGGAH1]

GOD BLESS AMERICA

[@rvdevoe4096]

lol, God is Gay

[@rkt2899]

That was the most significant home run ever hit in the history of the baseball.

[@srpjr3795]

Oh man someone is cutting onions in my house again!

[@raptorblader]

Damn Ninjas!

[@ravinp371]

I've loved Mike Piazza since the Dodgers!!!

[@Cmb8909]

The Mets as a team bounced back after the attacks I believe they swept the series in Pittsburgh right after the attacks….they made a great run at the end and while they fell short they really captured the hearts of a nation especially after this bomb by Piazza bringing hopes of a repeat Subway Series right after 9/11….it was a storyteller for sure as far as the pennant race goes but for this one night everyone was a Mets fan❤️😊

[@saganich74]

They should of never torn down Shea. Thank you Mr. Piazza!

[@5IvanDrago5]

How the role of sports has changed in our country, what a shame. We will likely never see moments like this again.

[@ryanmarter4840]

I hate the Mets I'm a die hard Yankees fan but Mike Piazzas home run was amazing

[@jun291]

Out of respect I love that everyone keeps the likes for this at 911 🙏

[@crimedog8846]

The Swing heard around the world. 🇺🇸

[@johnnymccurdy1473]

“THIS ONE HAS A CHANCE”

[@estherlee5527]

This guy should have never left the Dodgers.

[@jareddraney]

This is the most important home run of all time. If you think otherwise, i just feel sorry for you.

[@mr_snrub]

Remember when people didn't see others as color, religion or political affiliation? I miss those days.

[@nicholasposa5661]

“This one has a chance!” Hahahahah

[@jag1169]

Is that Mathew Broderick narrating?

[@EndeavoursRadio]

Is that MAtthew Broderick narrating?

[@mattkrywyj5184]

Who is the narrator? Can't put my finger on it...

[@nathangursky4628]

The ONLY thing that would have made this better would be Gary Cohen.

[@silversrayleigh8980]

4:03 God DAAAM ! MLB that's a face you gotta WARN us about ! 4:03

[@robertharvey9047]

navy

[@l.rivera3475]

2 dislikes? 😔

[@28princemike]

How do you down vote this?

[@eighteight4612]

They forgot to mention him using steroids as to why he started dominating

[@chairmanevan1865]

Yankees fans:😐

[@rkt2899]

Who are the 13 who didn’t like it? Terrorists?

[@suppaman12]

Not to be a prick but all of this after just 10 days? People still trapped and your husband/father just died 10 days before? I'm all about moving on but 10 days after the attack?? I can't enjoy this video because of it, not gonna dislike but I can't enjoy it sorry

[@soramirez5473]

you are certainly entitled to feel that way..

[@TheGillenium]

You are entitled to feel that way, but so is she and her children. And everyone effected closely by 9/11. if it made them happy just for a minute...id say thats far more important than your outside opinion on how soon they should be able to smile again.

[@plndv3363]

To really understand this, watch the Ken Burns documentary segment on 9/11 (part of The Tenth Inning). There’s a bit where Keith Olberman talks about being down on Wall Street that morning and has a conversation with a New York City cop that really put baseball’s roll in it’s proper perspective. Wish I could find the clip here on KZbin