Sophia
September 11, 2001, remains a date etched in the collective memory of New York City and the world. The horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania brought the nation to a standstill, including Major League Baseball, which suspended its season for six days. Two decades later, the spirit of remembrance and resilience continues to define how New York’s beloved baseball teams, the Yankees and the Mets, approach this solemn day.
Every September 11th, MLB stadiums across the country, particularly in New York, transform into venues for poignant tributes. These ceremonies honor the victims and pay special homage to the brave first responders of the Fire Department (FDNY) and the New York Police Department (NYPD). The Yankees and Mets often wear special caps adorned with FDNY and NYPD insignias, symbolizing the enduring bond between the teams and the city’s heroes.
Yankees’ Dominant September 11th Record
For the New York Yankees, September 11th has often been a day of triumph on the field, mirroring the resilience of the city they represent. Their record on this date since 2002 stands at an impressive 16 wins and only 6 losses.
This year, on September 11th, 2025, the Bronx Bombers secured a crucial victory against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium. With former President Donald Trump in attendance, the Yankees offense, powered by home runs from superstars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, provided the necessary firepower. Rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler earned the win, contributing to the Yankees’ strong 9/11 legacy.
A Streak of Victories and Memorable Moments
The Yankees’ positive trend on 9/11 began early. In 2002, on the first anniversary of the attacks, they defeated the Baltimore Orioles in 11 innings, thanks to a decisive hit by Nick Johnson. This victory sparked a remarkable six-game winning streak on this date, lasting until 2007.
One of the most memorable wins during this period came in 2005 against their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox. Hall of Fame pitchers Randy Johnson and Mariano Rivera combined for a masterful performance, showcasing the Yankees’ ability to rise to the occasion. Even when facing a rare loss, as in 2009 against the Orioles, the day still brought a significant milestone: Derek Jeter surpassed Lou Gehrig to become the franchise’s all-time hits leader with 2,722 hits.
In 2017, Hurricane Irma forced the Yankees-Rays game scheduled for Tampa to be relocated to Citi Field, the Mets’ home stadium. The Yankees capitalized on the change of scenery, adding another win to their 9/11 record in their crosstown rivals’ ballpark.
The 2021 season saw a special Subway Series clash on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 at Citi Field. The Yankees emerged victorious with an 8-7 win, highlighted by two home runs from Aaron Judge, who, remarkably, repeated this feat with another pair of homers on the same date in 2025. The Yankees have not lost a 9/11 game since 2018, underscoring their consistent performance on this significant day.
Mets’ Mixed Results, Enduring Tributes
The New York Mets’ narrative on September 11th presents a stark contrast to their Bronx counterparts. The Queens franchise holds a losing record of 9-13 in 22 games played on this date. However, despite the on-field results, these games are always imbued with profound emotion and significant tributes.
In 2011, Citi Field hosted a moving ceremony for the 10th anniversary of the attacks. While the Mets lost to the Chicago Cubs that day, the pre-game moments were unforgettable. Joe Torre and Bobby Valentine, the managers of the Yankees and Mets, respectively, in 2001, walked onto the field together to throw out the first pitch, a powerful display of unity and brotherhood that transcended team loyalties.
The Mets have struggled to string together wins on September 11th, never achieving more than two consecutive victories on this date since 2002. This season, they faced a disappointing 6-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, squandering an early four-run lead. Looking ahead, the Mets hope to reverse their fortunes on this significant day. The 25th anniversary of the attacks promises another emotionally charged Subway Series showdown against the Yankees, a fitting stage for New York to once again unite in remembrance and rivalry.
