Overview
- The Mets inducted Bobby Valentine and Lee Mazzilli into the franchise Hall of Fame in a pregame ceremony at Citi Field on Saturday, May 30.
- Valentine revived his 1999 sunglasses-and-fake-mustache stunt to throw the ceremonial first pitch and the team handed out 15,000 Bobby V disguise kits to fans.
- The reenactment included staged moments before the game, such as a social-media post of Valentine riding the subway in disguise and Mr. Met appearing in the same look.
- Reporting recalled that MLB disciplined Valentine after the original 1999 dugout episode with a two-game suspension and a $5,000 fine and that the prank came during a 14-inning win in a run that helped spark a 40-15 surge toward the playoffs.
- Coverage framed the ceremonies as both celebration and context by noting Valentine’s on-field record from 1996–2002, his role in the Mets’ 1999–2000 playoff runs and 2000 NL pennant, and his community work after Sept. 11, which the club highlighted in remarks and tributes.