The New York Yankees commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks with a special ceremony and a 6-4 victory over the New York Mets during the Subway Series at Yankee Stadium on Friday night. The event was marked by a range of tributes honoring those lost in the 2001 attacks, as well as moments reflecting the role baseball played in the city’s healing process.
Seven members of the Yankees’ 2001 World Series team—Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Tino Martinez, Paul O’Neill, and Scott Brosius—were present to participate in the ceremony, drawing enthusiastic applause from the sellout crowd of 47,410. The national anthem was followed by chants of “U-S-A” and numerous American flags displayed throughout the stadium, underscoring the unity and patriotism of the evening.
Among the poignant moments was the participation of Brielle Saracini and Sean McGuire, who lost their fathers in the attacks, as they threw out the first pitches. Saracini’s father, Victor Saracini, was the captain of United Flight 175, which was hijacked and crashed into the South Tower. She delivered her pitch to Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, whose own father, Clay Bellinger, played for the 2001 Yankees and later became a firefighter in Arizona. Bellinger, a former MVP making a strong comeback after injuries, hit a key three-run homer early in the game, helping the Yankees build a lead they maintained throughout.
“Today was a day where it felt bigger than the game and bigger than yourself,” Bellinger said. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized the significance of the occasion, noting the diverse emotions the day evokes and the responsibility the team felt. “We certainly understand the weight of today,” Boone said prior to the game. Mets interim manager Andy Green also acknowledged baseball’s meaningful role, stating that matching these two New York teams on this date was a fitting tribute despite his team’s struggles this season.
On the field, Yankees starter Carlos Rodón delivered a strong performance, allowing only three hits into the seventh inning. The Mets, trailing 5-1 for much of the game, rallied late against the bullpen before closer David Bednar secured the win with a five-out save. Mets manager Andy Green remarked on the bittersweet nature of the night, expressing a wish for a different outcome but appreciation for being part of the event.
While the ceremony and game brought a sense of unity and reflection, some tension remained among fans, with notable boos directed at Mets player Juan Soto, who had left the Yankees for New York’s National League team.
The victory maintained the Yankees’ position in the American League East race, keeping them within striking distance of the Tampa Bay Rays and solidifying their lead for the top wild card spot. Boone expressed optimism about the team’s playoff prospects but underscored the emotional resonance of the night. “Having some of the people involved back today and part of the pregame ceremonies, it felt special. It felt like what you’d want a ballgame to feel like,” he said.
Overall, the evening combined a heartfelt remembrance of a defining moment in New York and American history with a celebration of baseball’s enduring place in the city’s culture.