The long-awaited statue of pitcher Tom Seaver was unveiled by the New York Mets in a 40-minute ceremony at Citi Field.
With thousands of fans gathered around, cell phones held high and craning their necks to see, the late Hall of Famer’s wife and two daughters were front and center for the festivities.
Following an introduction from longtime Mets radio announcer Howie Rose and speeches by owner Steve Cohen and former slugger Mike Piazza, the blue curtain was pulled away to reveal a striking monument that stands 10 feet tall and 13 1/2 feet long. It depicts Seaver in the middle of his classic drop-and-drive delivery, baseball in his right hand.
“Hello, Tom,” said his emotional widow Nancy, choking back tears. “It’s so nice to have you here where you belong.”
The sculpture is by William Behrends, who also designed and created statues of Willie Mays in San Francisco and Tony Gwynn in San Diego.
The Guy Report 