Keith Hernandez entered the field to a standing ovation Saturday and departed to handshakes and backslaps from players on the current Mets roster.
In between, the former first baseman managed to maintain his composure as he reflected on a storied Mets career that culminated Saturday with his No. 17 retired by the club.
Hernandez joined Casey Stengel, Gil Hodges, Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza and Jerry Koosman as the only Mets to have the honor bestowed upon them.
“I am absolutely humbled and proud my number will be up in the rafters for eternity,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez was joined on the field by his family, including his three daughters and brother, Gary.
The Mets delegation included Piazza, team owner Steve Cohen, manager Buck Showalter and Hernandez’s former teammates Mookie Wilson, Tim Teufel and Ed Lynch.
Ron Darling was present in dual capacity, as a former teammate and current SNY broadcast partner. The ceremony was emceed by Mets radio voice Howie Rose.
Steve Cohen and Showalter presented Hernandez with a mosaic portrait of himself that was made with over 6,000 Keith Hernandez baseball and Strat-o-Matic cards.
Hernandez, standing on first base, threw the ceremonial first pitch to his brother Gary.
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