Mike Piazza Retires

[Rpollard86]

Just heard he announced his retirement. What a great career and a class act. A shoe in first ballot HOF.

[zahavasdad]

Does he go in as a Dodger or a Met?

[lovethegame]

Thanks Mike for a heck of a career
best of luck

[bailiff]

From where he was drafted, he had an outstanding (HOF?) career. Many years ago in San Antonio, he was very friendly to a young autograph collector (me). I will never forget his kindness and generousity. You were a great player Mike.

[RubeWaddell19]

Best Hitting catchers of all time. I think he should go into the HOF an a Marlin!

[Mattingly]

Does he go in as a Dodger or a Met?

That's interesting. I would say as a Met, but I'm very biased, since that's where I kept seeing his numbers daily from the sports pages and radio. Tommy Lasorda may disagree.

Let's hear your favorite moments of such a great catcher, the best offensively in MLB history!

Here's the espn link:

Piazza, one of greatest hitting catchers in MLB history, retires

[sharrock]

Does he go in as a Dodger or a Met?

As a Marlin.

Remember those couple of days?

I always thought Piazza got a bad rap. Yes, he was pretty bad defensively... but he always seemed to focus and do the best he possibly could. I can't say I saw much of his career but I always respected the effort. And, of course, the guy could really hit.

[Old Sweater]

“But I have to say that my time with the Mets wouldn’t have been the same without the greatest fans in the world. One of the hardest moments of my career, was walking off the field at Shea Stadium and saying goodbye. My relationship with you made my time in New York the happiest of my career and for that, I will always be grateful.”

After reading that I'd have to say he'd pick the Mets. Even with the way it is now with MLB saying it should be the players primary team, it would be the Mets if they chose.

IMO>>>It should be the players choice like it use to be.

[John Shoemaker]

I can't belive some team couldn't have used him this year.

[NJMetfan4life]

RETIRE #31 AT SHEA, because Piazza's a Met!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DodgerBlue8188]

I'd say the Mets for sure. He spent 8 seasons there compared to only 5 full seasons in LA. He also went to the WS as a Met even though he didn't win.

[Mattingly]

I'd say the Mets for sure. He spent 8 seasons there compared to only 5 full seasons in LA. He also went to the WS as a Met even though he didn't win.

For yourself and others wondering whether he'll go in as a Dodger or a Met, I've created this thread under the Hall of Fame forum asking just that. Though I think that the replies will be overwhelmingly of the orange and blue, rather than the blue and grey, I wouldn't mind seeing what people will say in the end.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

It's was Mike's time to go. But I will miss him. I was born in 1968 just like Piazza. A lot of '68ers have been retiring recently (Alomar, Bagwell, Piazza, Sosa?). That still leaves Kent, Sheffield, Thomas, Mussina, and few others. When the last '68er retires I'll officially feel old.

[kearns643]

A great hitter but it ends right there....will make the Hall because of his bat but even that tempers because of his playing era...I mean, who didn't hit!!!!
And, as always, the NY factor will play a role.

[KHenry14]

Take a seat on the rocker on the front porch Mike, your retirement was well earned. BTW, keep the phone handy in Jan 2012, Cooperstown will be calling!