The New York Mets have announced that they will retire Carlos Beltrán’s No. 15 and induct him into the team’s Hall of Fame before their home game against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 19.
Beltrán will become the ninth player in Mets history to have his number retired, joining the ranks of legends like Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, and Keith Hernandez.
Beltrán Joins Mets Legends
Previously, the Mets retired the numbers of other franchise greats, including:
- Tom Seaver (41)
- Mike Piazza (31)
- Jerry Koosman (36)
- Keith Hernandez (17)
- Willie Mays (24)
- Dwight Gooden (16)
- Darryl Strawberry (18)
- David Wright (5)
Additionally, Gil Hodges (14) and Casey Stengel (37), both former managers, also have their numbers retired by the team. All major league teams have also retired No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson.
Tyrone Taylor’s Number Change
Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who currently wears No. 15, will switch to No. 28 to accommodate Beltrán’s number retirement.
Beltrán’s Career and Hall of Fame Induction
Beltrán, whose remarkable career includes a standout tenure with the Mets, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this year. He announced that he would wear a Mets cap on his plaque. The official Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on July 26.
Beltrán was initially hired by the Mets as their manager in November 2019, but he was let go shortly after the announcement due to his involvement in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal during the 2017 World Series, his final season as a player.
Despite the controversy, he remains highly respected for his exceptional on-field accomplishments. In February 2023, he returned to the Mets organization as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations, David Stearns.
Mets Owners Praise Beltrán’s Legacy
In a statement, Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen praised Beltrán as “one of the greatest offensive players in team history,” recognizing his combination of power, speed, and elite defense.
Beltrán’s Reflection on the Honor
Beltrán expressed his deep gratitude for the honor of having his number retired, calling it “the highest possible tribute.” He added, “The Mets hold a special place in my heart.
This summer will be incredibly meaningful, from my induction into the baseball Hall of Fame to this Mets Hall of Fame honor, with the cherry on top being my number retirement. I’m deeply grateful.”
