Sports World Honors 25th Anniversary of 9/11
On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Major League Baseball and various sports teams, including the New York Mets and New York Yankees, held tributes and ceremonies. These events included on-field acknowledgments, special programs, community service projects, and other activities.
New York Observances
In New York, MLB collaborated with the Mets to host a meal-packing event at Citi Field. This initiative was part of the UNITE for Good program, organized with the nonprofit 9/11 Day. The location held significant meaning as it was close to where the tragic events took place.
Players, managers, coaches, and umpires across MLB wore caps with a “We Shall Never Forget” patch. The Toronto Blue Jays donned caps showing both Canadian and American flags. The Yankees and Mets wore caps representing first responders, featuring their team logos, during the games at Yankee Stadium.
Tributes at Yankee Stadium
Before the Yankees and Mets games, Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and manager Aaron Boone laid a wreath at the 9/11 memorial in Monument Park. A giant flag was displayed for the national anthem, performed by opera singer James Valenti, followed by Lee Greenwood with “God Bless America.” Customized base jewels and lineup cards highlighted the tribute, accompanied by a leaguewide moment of silence.
Shea Stadium’s Role
After the Sept. 11 attacks, Shea Stadium served as a site for relief efforts, with Mets players and volunteers preparing supplies for Ground Zero. Baseball returned in New York on Sept. 21, marked by Mike Piazza’s significant home run that led the Mets to victory over the Atlanta Braves. Later, President George W. Bush threw the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium during the 2001 World Series, though the Yankees did not retain their championship, losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
College Football Commemorations
College football teams also observed the anniversary. Boston College and Rutgers held a specially themed game. Rutgers played in red jerseys and helmets with No. 37, incorporating an American flag, to remember the 37 alumni deceased in the attacks. “Never Forget” featured on the side of their pants.
Boston College honored Welles Crowther through its annual Red Bandanna Game, wearing white uniforms adorned with a red bandanna design. Crowther, a Boston College alumnus, became a hero on 9/11, rescuing people and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 2026.