Mets Hall Of Fame 2023 Induction List

Mets 2023 Hall of Fame induction consist of Howard Johnson, Gary Cohen, Al Leiter, and Howie Rose. 

The team inducted these players and broadcasters into their prestigious Hall of Fame with a ceremony at Citi Field on 3 June. Owner Cohen felt honored to be a part of this historical moment to celebrate the career of these four new members. 

Howard Johnson

Howard Johnson is a former Mets outfielder who won the 1986 World Series with the team. 

Initially making his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers in 1982, Johnson joined the Mets franchise in 1985. The following year, Metsies won the WS title, beating the Red Sox 4-3. Howard played 88 games for the team and contributed 10 dingers.

However, Johnson had a fiery form post-1986 season, especially 1987, 1989, and 1991 seasons. In 1987, Howard scored 36 home runs and 22 doubles from 554 at-bats while maintaining a .265 batting average and a .868 OPS. He got voted 10th in the NL MVP award that season.

1989 witnessed Johnson making the NL-high 104 runs and getting the All-Star recognition and Silver Slugger for the first time in his career. Howard scored 36 homers, 41 doubles, and 41 stolen bases from 655 plate appearances.

Similarly, in the 1991 season, Howard registered the NL highs with 38 home runs and 117 RBI. This year too, Howard gained the All-Star and Silver Slugger awards. He bagged 192 dingers and a .801 OPS from his 9-year Metropolitan career.

Gary Cohen

Gary Cohen is a play-by-play announcer for the Mets franchise and has been involved since 2006. 

Before working for the SNY, Gary called games in the minor League for various teams like the Durham Bulls in 1986 and the Pawtucket Red Sox in 1987. Along with the broadcaster's career with SNY, Cohen has a deal with WPIX to announce 25 games for them. 

Cohen also did baseball broadcasting duties for the Mets' WFAN radio station for more than 17 years. Similarly, he has also worked on other networks like ESPN radio and CBS to call baseball games. Gary is also involved in college broadcasts, providing his voice for Seton Hall University. 

A 1981 graduate of Columbia University, Cohen studied Political Science but soon developed an interest in the broadcast sector. Soon after his graduation, the WKCR Sports network hired him for reporting on men's sports. As of 2023, Cohen is also an active contributor to the SNY website.

Gary also recalled his Mets life, stating how he spent hundreds of nights on the upper deck of the club's stadium. He has been the team's fan since he was six years old. 

Al Leiter

Al Leiter is a former pitcher who spent 7 years for the New York Mets from 1998 to 2004. 

Leiter initially made his MLB debut for the Yankees, but then moved to Toronto Blue Jays and ultimately landed with the Mets. In his first year, Leiter pitched 193 innings and contributed 17 wins, a 2.47 ERA, and 174 strikeouts. Al got voted sixth in the Cy Young Award for his pitching efforts.

 In 2000, Leiter also received an All-Star for his performance of 16 wins, 200 strikeouts, and 3.20 ERA from 208 innings pitched. Al was also a great pitcher in the 2000 World Series making 142 pitches, even though the Metropolitan lost to the Yankees eventually. 

In seven years, Al registered 95 wins, a 3.42 ERA, and 1106 strikeouts from 1360 innings pitched. He also allowed only 574 runs and 7 shutouts and has participated in 10 complete games. He also received the 2000 Robert Clemente Award for excellent sportsmanship. 

Howie Rose

Howie Rose started broadcasting for the New York Mets in the 1995 season. 

Rose has more than a decade of play-by-play announcing for both radio and television in the Mets organization. Moreover, Howie co-hosted the pre-game and post-game shows for the team called "Mets Extra." 

Likewise, Howie also worked for the WFAN radio alongside another 2023 Hall of Famer, Gary Cohen. Moreover, Gary has also announced baseball matches for WCBS and WOR and has a part in the MLB Network with its MLB Now program. 

Due to his long service to the Metropolitans, it is undeniable why Rose got decorated with this honor. Moreover, Rose participates as the Master of Ceremonies in various Metsies events like the Opening Day and Mike Piazza's jersey retirement event. 

Mets retired players cover Willie Mays, Jerry Koosman, and Tom Seaver. Jackie Robinson number 42 is retired for every MLB team. 

• Gil Hodges - 14
• Willie Mays - 24
• Mike Piazza - 31
• Casey Stengel - 42
• Keith Hernandez - 17
• Tom Seaver - 41
• Jackie Robinson - 42

Willie Mays

Willie Mays played for the New York Mets in the 1972 and 1973 seasons. 

In 1972, the former Metsies owner Joan Payson wanted Mays to end his carer in New York and promised to retire his number on this occasion. When Willie entered Metsies, he was already 41 years old and so played for only two seasons.

In his two years for the Mets, Willie contributed 14 home runs, 19 doubles, and 44 RBI from 404 at-bats appearances. Moreover, Willie also maintained a .238 batting average and a .746 OPS.

In his 23 years of MLB service, Mays has received impressive achievements like 12 Golden Gloves, the 1954 World Series, and playing 24 All-Star matches. He also got bestowed in the MLB's All-Time and the All-century team.

Tom Seaver

Tom Seaver is a former pitcher who served 12 years in the Mets from 1967 to 1977 seasons. 

Seaver debuted in the MLB through the Metropolitans in April 1967. In his rookie year, Seaver made a remarkable display, racking in 16 wins, 2.76 ERA, and 170 strikeouts from 251 innings pitched. Moreover, he also performed 2 shutouts and 18 complete games. For this, he was awarded the Rookie of the Year and played in the All-Star game.

Similarly, from 1968 to 1973, Tom played All-Star games consecutively and delivered great pitching performances. In 1969, Seaver led the league in wins with 25, while he led the league in ERAs in 1971 and 1973 respectively. He also was an NL leader in strikeouts multiple times, including 289 in 1971. 

Winning the 1969 World Series with the Mets, Seaver has received many other awards like the Cy Young 3 times and 3 ERA titles. The Baseball Hall of Fame elected him in 1992, while the Mets inducted him in 1988.

Mike Piazza Mets Hall of Fame induction speech saw him thanking his family, agent, and the Mets organization for all the hard work and support in his success.  

Piazza delivered his Metsies induction at the Citi Field, with the spectators wearing Mike''s jersey and showcasing his #31. He remarked how he was proud to be a Mets player and that his love for New York City knew no bounds. 

Showcasing his love for all, Piazza thanked his agent Danny Lozano for making a hard bargain with the Dodgers to successfully land him with the Metsies. Meanwhile, he also displayed his gratitude for his parents, wife Alicia, and children, who defined his career and supported him wholeheartedly.

Mike also showcased his love for the Mets fans, remarking how they were his true friends. Moreover, he reminisced about his best NY Mets, and it did not include a home run, but the cheers he received from the NY fans in 2006 after returning as a Padres catcher.