On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, members of the New York Mets gathered with New York City firefighters to honor the legacy of those lost and reaffirm their ongoing support for the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). The commemorative meeting took place at Ladder Company 25 on the Upper West Side, a firehouse with deep historical significance and a mural honoring seven firefighters who perished during the World Trade Center rescue efforts.
The Mets’ connection to the FDNY dates back to the days following the attacks, when Shea Stadium served as a staging area for relief supplies. The team hosted the first professional sports event in the city after 9/11 on September 21, 2001, highlighted by a memorable game-winning home run from Mike Piazza. This moment marked the beginning of a long-standing commitment by the Mets to remain closely tied to the city’s firefighting community.
Current and former Mets players, including John Franco, Al Leiter, Todd Zeile, and David Wright, gathered at Ladder 25 to acknowledge the sacrifices of firefighters and pay tribute to the spirit of resilience that emerged after the attacks. Wright, who was newly drafted at the time of 9/11, has spoken about the responsibility veteran players passed on to younger generations to remember the heroes and maintain the team’s commitment. “I hope it continues to the younger players,” Wright said, emphasizing the importance of preserving the shared history with the FDNY even as some players were not alive during the events of 2001.
The Mets’ longstanding tradition of supporting the fire department has been facilitated in part by Jay Horwitz, the team’s vice president for alumni relations, who has served as a vital link between the club and firefighting families for decades. Horwitz’s efforts have helped sustain programs such as Answer the Call, a charity founded by former Met Rusty Staub that has distributed millions to families of fallen police officers and firefighters.
FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito stressed the mutual respect and camaraderie between firefighters and Mets players. “They have vowed as a fire department to never forget…and 25 years later, the Mets have not forgotten,” Esposito said. He noted that the team’s continued engagement provides both reassurance and a reminder of the community’s enduring bond.
Other major league teams, including the New York Yankees, have also maintained relationships with the city’s firefighting community, conducting firehouse visits and participating in outreach efforts, particularly around the anniversary of 9/11.
The annual Mets gathering at Ladder 25 is a moment to reflect not only on the tragedy and heroism of that day but also on the ongoing relationship between sports and the first responders who helped the city recover. For many firefighters, the Mets represent more than a baseball team—they symbolize a steadfast friendship and collective memory that persists through generations.
Capt. Daniel Donleavy of Ladder 25 described the atmosphere as one of shared respect and simple humanity. “People will talk about everyone that died. What about the laughs by teasing a Yankees fan, a sheepish Zack Wheeler asking to stay for lunch, R.A. Dickey teaching the knuckleball with a game of catch on the street,” he said. “The tradition has continued.”
As New York approaches future anniversaries, both the Mets and FDNY members express a hope that the connection endures, reminding the city of the sacrifices made and the strength found in unity.