First-Responder Hat Fiasco

Last night, in honor of the fallen heroes of the tragedy of September 11th, 2001, the Mets wore hats corresponding to all of the departments of the city. This included not only the NYPD and FDNY, but the city's OEM and Department of Sanitation. They wore them... until the game started.

Photo courtesy of @Mets

I realize how tremendously unimportant the headwear of a bad baseball team is, and how little impact it is going to have on anything, but it's just a characterization, to me, of MLB valuing their rules and merchandising a little too much. To the point, as you'll recall, where a Met coup was broken up in 2011.

For all those upset that we didn't wear the hats, I understand your anger. However, they physically took them from us after the ceremony.
— R.A. Dickey (@RADickey43) September 12, 2011

I know the issue has been beaten into the ground, but at some point the league and Bud Selig have to realize that paying that tribute on the field during the game would be more meaningful, and would do nothing to sully their image.

Rather than dwell on that however, last night's rendition of God Bless America. Sung by Regina Wilson, a member of the FDNY, watching her tear up at the end is tough.

Never Forget 9/11 - New York Mets Style

Here is a quick look at some 9/11 related pictures, mostly from the first night back at Shea Stadium when the Mets paid tribute to the first responders who were lost.  Gone, but not forgotten.  Today, we too pay tribute to the victims and first responders who were lost on that infamous September morning, and their families who still deal with heartbreak to this day.