The Mets held their first Old Timers’ Day since 1994 on Saturday, but the organization made the day more special than just reuniting its iconic players. While Willie Mays was not in attendance, the team chose to retire his No. 24 in a surprise announcement and celebration anyway.
Michael Mays, Willie’s son, was there in his father’s place to accept the honor.
Mays only played parts of two seasons with the Mets, 135 games total to end his career, but he did make the All-Star game in 1973 before retiring. However, since Mays began his career with the New York Giants, and remained with the team when the Giants moved to San Francisco, he represents something more to a Mets organization that succeeded both the Giants and Dodgers as the National League’s baseball team in New York City.