NEW YORK — Even before playing his first game for the Mets, Neil Walker will feel proud when his number is called.
His dad, Tom, wore No. 20 in his first three big league seasons pitching for the Montreal Expos in the 1970s. But it was off limits during Neil's seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates because it was retired in 1972 in honor of Hall of Famer Pie Traynor.
Six days after his trade to New York, Walker was in a No. 20 jersey Tuesday for the NL champions' holiday party at Citi Field.
"I never had an opportunity to wear it in Pittsburgh," the second baseman said.