Mets retire Mays’ No. 24 as Old-Timers’ Day returns

NEW YORK (AP) — Willie Mays spent only two seasons with the New York Mets. His legacy will last forever.

In a surprise salute at Citi Field, the Mets retired Mays’ jersey Saturday as part of festivities during the organization's first Old-Timers’ Day since 1994.

“From this day forward, no Met will ever wear Willie Mays’ iconic No. 24,” emcee Howie Rose read to a near-standing ovation from the crowd.

One of baseball's greatest players, the Hall of Fame center fielder starred for the Giants in New York from 1951-57 and then in San Francisco from 1958-72 after the club moved to the West Coast. He returned to the Big Apple in a May 1972 trade and spent his final two seasons with the Mets, helping them reach the 1973 World Series.

Mets charter owner Joan Whitney Payson told Mays he would be the last player in franchise history to wear No. 24. But Payson died not long after Mays’ retirement in 1973, and the Mets finally made good on her promise nearly 50 years later under current owner Steve Cohen and his wife, Alex.

“I want to thank Steve and Alex Cohen for making this day possible and embracing Mets history,” Mays said in a statement read aloud during the ceremony. “I can never forget the way it felt to return to New York to play for all the loyal Mets fans. I’m tremendously proud I ended my career in Queens with the Mets during the ’73 World Series. It’s an honor to have my number retired in my two favorite cities — New York and San Francisco. New York was a magical place to play baseball.”

The 91-year-old Mays was unable to attend the festivities after having hip replacement surgery, but was represented by his son, Michael.

“We’re thrilled,” Michael said. “Long time coming, for sure.”

The unexpected announcement