Mike Piazza is going into the Hall of Fame as a member of the New York Mets, but he's not seeing eye to eye with his former team.
The former star catcher told the New York Post on Tuesday that he's "very disappointed" with the team auctioning the jersey he wore in 2001 in the Mets' first game after the Sept. 11 attacks.
"I'm very disappointed with the situation regarding my game jersey from September 21st, 2001,'' Piazza told the Post, his first comments regarding the auction.
"I've expressed my feelings to (owner) Jeff (Wilpon) and the Mets," Piazza said. "And while it never should have left Citi Field, they have assured me that contact with the seller has been made and they are making a concerted effort to get the jersey back. I'm hopeful that an agreement can be reached and we can give back to the fans and all New Yorkers a piece of that evening that was more than just a game.''
With the country still mourning, baseball decided to return to the field 10 days after the terrorist attacks. Piazza hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning with the Mets down one to the Braves, bringing the crowd to its feet as the fans chanted "U-S-A! U-S-A!"
The Mets acknowledged their mistake Tuesday, offering a statement to the Post.
"We made a mistake in selling the jersey and Jeff called Mike to express our regret in so doing,'' the spokesperson said. "We have dedicated a section in the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate Mike's achievements and his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and are exploring memorabilia to display in that area.
"We can't verify the item being auctioned, but can confirm that our memorabilia group sold a jersey that meets this description, which was not authenticated with respect to game use.''
Goldin Auctions is selling the autographed jersey to the highest bidder, currently at $51,000. The auction is set to end April 30.
The former star catcher told the New York Post on Tuesday that he's "very disappointed" with the team auctioning the jersey he wore in 2001 in the Mets' first game after the Sept. 11 attacks.
"I'm very disappointed with the situation regarding my game jersey from September 21st, 2001,'' Piazza told the Post, his first comments regarding the auction.
"I've expressed my feelings to (owner) Jeff (Wilpon) and the Mets," Piazza said. "And while it never should have left Citi Field, they have assured me that contact with the seller has been made and they are making a concerted effort to get the jersey back. I'm hopeful that an agreement can be reached and we can give back to the fans and all New Yorkers a piece of that evening that was more than just a game.''
With the country still mourning, baseball decided to return to the field 10 days after the terrorist attacks. Piazza hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning with the Mets down one to the Braves, bringing the crowd to its feet as the fans chanted "U-S-A! U-S-A!"
The Mets acknowledged their mistake Tuesday, offering a statement to the Post.
"We made a mistake in selling the jersey and Jeff called Mike to express our regret in so doing,'' the spokesperson said. "We have dedicated a section in the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum to celebrate Mike's achievements and his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and are exploring memorabilia to display in that area.
"We can't verify the item being auctioned, but can confirm that our memorabilia group sold a jersey that meets this description, which was not authenticated with respect to game use.''
Goldin Auctions is selling the autographed jersey to the highest bidder, currently at $51,000. The auction is set to end April 30.
