Bobby Valentine Honored at Citi Field Ahead of Mets Hall of Fame Induction

Bobby Valentine wore sunglasses and a fake mustache while throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field on May 29, 2026. The 76-year-old former manager emerged from the New York dugout and tossed the ball to the team mascot Mr. " A crowd that included fans wearing the ballpark giveaway of sunglasses and fake mustaches gave him a warm reception.

The event took place on the eve of Valentine's induction into the Mets Hall of Fame, scheduled for May 30, 2026, alongside ex-Mets teammate Lee Mazzilli. Local children from John Lewis Childs grammar school on Long Island sang the national anthem, with several wearing fake mustaches. A group of kids in disguise then pushed a button to activate the Home Run Apple beyond the center-field fence.

"Great memories for me," Valentine said through vice president of alumni public relations and team historian Jay Horwitz. " Valentine first donned the disguise on June 9, 1999, three days after general manager Steve Phillips fired three New York coaches. The Mets held a 27-28 record at the time of the dismissals.

Valentine responded by saying the Mets should fire him if the team did not go 40-15 over its next 55 games. The Mets won their next three games and were tied with Toronto when Valentine was ejected for arguing a catcher's interference call on Mike Piazza.

Encouraged by Orel Hershiser and Robin Ventura, Valentine used eye black to make the mustache, put on sunglasses, and crept back into the dugout.

Television cameras spotted him immediately. Valentine led the charge onto the field to celebrate Rey Ordoñez's game-winning single in the 14th inning, ending any chance of denying the disguise. He was fined $5,000 and suspended two games.

The Mets went 40-15 in the 55 games following the coaching changes and reached the National League Championship Series in 1999 and the World Series in 2000 under Valentine.