On Sept. 21, 2001, when Mike Piazza stepped to the plate for the New York Mets, an entire city and nation was still hurting from an unthinkable tragedy that brought unmeasurable loss.
What followed was a moment far bigger than baseball.
That night, for the first major sporting event in the city since the 9/11 attacks, the people of New York went to then-Shea Stadium — which was used to house vehicles, supplies and more during the relief efforts — trying to heal.
Many weren’t sure if the game should be played, but there they were, trying to get back to life, trying to be together and believe in something.