SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 AT 5:00 P.M.
FLUSHING, N.Y., February 8, 2022 — The New York Mets today announced the team will host an Old Timers’ Day Game prior to the Saturday, August 27 game vs. Colorado. The Old Timers’ Day player introductions will begin at 5 p.m. ahead of the scheduled 7:10 p.m. game vs. the Rockies.
“Bringing back Old Timers’ Day was one of the most passionate requests I heard from our fans,” said Mets Chairman, CEO and Owner Steve Cohen. “As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary season, having these legendary players return to the ballpark to hear cheers from Mets fans once again is the perfect way to honor our past.”
Frank Thomas, Ron Swoboda, Jon Matlack, Felix Millán, Mookie Wilson, Howard Johnson, Bobby Ojeda, Robin Ventura, Turk Wendell, Endy Chávez, Cliff Floyd and Daniel Murphy are among some of the over 40 players scheduled to attend. The Mets will be announcing additional former players who will be participating in the game in the coming months.
Thomas, who led the original 1962 Mets with 34 home runs, is excited to return to Queens.
“I plan on taking some BP before the game,” said Thomas, now 92. “I hit homers at the Polo Grounds and at Shea. I would love to hit one at Citi Field.”
Ventura, who starred at third base from 1999–2001 for the Amazin’s, will be among those participating.
“Maybe we can recreate my Grand Slam Single,” laughed Ventura, referring to his memorable hit in Game Five of the 1999 NLCS vs. Atlanta. “Fans remember that hit more than if I had actually been credited with a grand slam.”
Matlack, who was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame in 2021, pitched for the Mets from 1971–1977.
“Being back in the clubhouse with the guys will be great,” said Matlack. “But probably the thing I’m looking forward to the most is being able to see the Tom Seaver statue. Tom meant everything to my career. He was such a terrific teammate.”
Murphy, who was the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 National League Championship Series and played with the Mets from 2008–2015, is thrilled to be back at Citi Field.
“It will be great to put on a Mets uniform again,” said Murphy. “I’m sure when I hit the field my mind will be racing back to 2015. That was an incredibly special time.”
The Mets last hosted an Old Timers’ Day Game in 1994.
