Smart Move by the Mets

Along with last week's announcement that the Mets were retiring Keith Hernandez's #17, came word from both Keith and Sandy Alderson that the Mets were restoring a long-lapsed tradition next summer: Old Timers Day.

While growing up, I went to many of these at both Yankee and Shea Stadiums. It was a great way to learn more about baseball history -- seeing the legends whose careers took place long before my time.

Here's my cover of the paper program handed out at Shea Stadium on July 24th, 1965. Of course that day went down as an infamous one for the Mets -- Casey Stengel, at an "after party" following the celebration at Shea, fell (off a barstool, according to legend) and broke a hip which forced him to retire as manager.
 

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