Citi Field Street Renamed In Honor Of 'Miracle Mets' Pitcher Tom Seaver
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The New York Mets and New York City honored a legend Thursday as one of the best players in baseball history: Tom Seaver.
The street outside Citi Field will now be known as Seaver Way.
Watch: Citi Field Street Renamed For Tom Seaver
It was an historical moment for the man many believe is the greatest Met ever, reported CBS2's Scott Rapoport. He's been honored in perhaps the most enduring way possible.
The New York Mets officially changed the address of Citi Field to 41 Seaver Way, and renamed 126th Street outside the ballpark in his honor "Seaver Way."
"What an honor for him. He totally deserves it. And so does his family," said Mets fan Patchman Phil.
He was known as Tom Terrific. The franchise. A first ballot Hall of Famer. Three time Cy Young Award winner. 311 wins. More than 3,600 strikeouts. And the leader of the 1969 Miracle Mets when they won their first World Serieis.
Cleon Jones was a teammate on those Amazin' Mets 50 years ago.
"I wish I had 10 guys like him on the ball club. We would have won pennants every year," he said.
Cleon, Ron Swoboda and Jerry Koosman, all a little older and a little grayer, turned out to salute Seaver and his legacy.
"He deserves the recognition. He's had a great career," said Koosman.
"He was the goods from day one. He was Hall of Fame from day one," said Swoboda.
Tom Seaver himself did not attend the ceremony. Back in March, his family announced he was diagnosed with dementia and was retiring from public life. But his children and grandchildren attended, sharing Seaver's message of hard work and chasing your dreams.
"And whatever that thing is your heart, do it to your best of your ability. That is the Tom Seaver way," his daughter said.
Longtime Mets fan Timothy Cardinal Dolan offered a special blessing and words of grace.
"Heavenly Father, we asked your blessings on this place and the man Tom Seaver, whom we honor today," he said.
And there's one more honor on tap for Tom Seaver. The New York Mets have announced they are commissioning a statue of The Franchise to be placed outside of Citi Field, aka 41 Seaver Way.