No More Pizza Deliveries

Yesterday, all time homerun leading catcher Mike Piazza retired. The eight-year New York Met and future hall of famer hit 20+ homeruns for six of his eight years with the Mets and always gave fans a sense of hope when he got up to the plate. When Piazza was signed in 1998 by a very crummy New York team, he brought with him Al Leiter, and a chance at postseason success for the first time since the late eighties and early nineties with Davey Johnson at the helm. But then it was Bobby Valentine, and there was no Keith Hernandez or "Doc" Gooden to lead this team, but then Piazza brought out the best in a fantastic infield, who hadn't shown their full potential yet; a so-so pitching staff, which gave captain John Franco a chance to shine; and an otherwise unknown outfield. While Piazza was slugging homers, fans started to love this guy; they got his jersey, they brought pizza boxes, and marriage proposals. A Yankee killer, he drove them to the point where they threw a broken bat at him in Game 2 of the 2000 "Subway" Series. Then when the Mets wished their magnificent infield goodbye piece by piece, Piazza kept the Mets' fans coming back to see an otherwise dull team. So after 16 seasons, and more specifically, a great eight seasons, I just want to stay thanks Mike. When Todd Hundley left, I had no idea if the Mets would win another game for the next ten years. But Mike you kept me with it, you gave me memories, you gave me something to be proud of, so thank you.