Bobby Valentine Remembers Baseball's Return After 9/11

Former New York Mets manager discusses the symbolic significance of baseball's resumption in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

In the wake of the horrific 9/11 terrorist attacks, the nation was left in a state of shock and mourning. As America struggled to come to terms with the tragedy, the role of sports in providing solace and healing became evident.

For baseball, the return to the field held particular significance. Just eight days after the attacks, Major League Baseball (MLB) resumed its season, offering a sense of normalcy and hope amidst the chaos.

Bobby Valentine Remembers Baseball's Return After 9/11

Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine, who was at the helm of the team during that tumultuous time, recalls the profound impact of baseball's return. In a recent interview with OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich," Valentine attributed the decision to resume games to the unwavering belief of then-President George W. Bush.

"Bush truly believed that if baseball came back, the road to recovery would be a lot better," Valentine said. "He pushed for it, and I believed in him. I think the reason we played in New York, the reason the Atlanta Braves came to New York, and the reason Mike Piazza hit the home run in New York was mainly because George W. felt that that was the right thing to do."

Bobby Valentine Remembers Baseball's Return After 9/11

The return of baseball provided a much-needed distraction for a city and nation in mourning. On September 21, 2001, Mets catcher Mike Piazza delivered a historic home run that became an iconic symbol of resilience and recovery.

"It was the shot heard round the world," Valentine said of Piazza's momentous hit. "The sound of it was so crackling. It was an amazing barrel, which is why they call them that these days. And it just turned the frowns upside down and got things going in the right direction again."

Bush's decision to throw out the first pitch at Game 3 of the World Series later that year was another powerful gesture of solidarity. Dressed in an FDNY sweater covering a bulletproof vest, the president walked out of the Yankees dugout and waved to the crowd, eliciting an emotional roar of cheers.

"I've been to conventions and rallies and speeches: I've never felt anything so powerful and emotions so strong, and the collective will of the crowd so evident," Bush later recalled.

For Valentine, the return of baseball after 9/11 remains an unforgettable experience.

"It was the craziest time that I was ever apart of anything," he said. "To be part of New York City, to be a part of the New York Mets, to be apart of the recovery ensued was amazing. We waited ten days, came back on 9/21, Mike Piazza hit that home run, it was the shot heard round the world, for sure."

The resumption of baseball after 9/11 served as a reminder of the enduring power of sports to unite people during times of adversity. It provided a much-needed escape from the pain and grief, offering a sense of hope and resilience that would sustain the nation on its long road to recovery.