11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mike Piazza's brutal honesty exposes harsh reality of being a superstar in New York Mets
Mike Piazza's brutal honesty exposes harsh reality of being a superstar in New York Mets (Image via Getty)
When big stars join a new team, fans expect magic. But what if the player himself doesn't feel that spark? In a recent video shared by the New York Mets, Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza shared something surprising.
He looked back at his first game with the team in 1998 and his honest words weren't what many fans expected to hear.
Mike Piazza's emotional disconnect with Mets debut sparks fierce debate about sports stardom
On June 17th, 2025, the New York Mets posted a hilarious video on their YouTube channel. In it, the former catcher Mike Piazza, now 55, talks about his first game for the Mets at Shea Stadium on May 23, 1998.
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'I didn't really feel special,' Mike Piazza said while speaking to host Jay Horwitz. 'I just came in and felt like one of the guys.'
This was a surprise, because Piazza was a big name and fans had high hopes for him.
He also said his teammates helped him feel comfortable. 'They loved to joke around. If you acted too important, they'd tease you,' he explained. He felt welcomed because of this fun team atmosphere.
Obtained from the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 15, 1998, Mike Piazza signed with the Mets eight days later, after being dealt by the Florida Marlins.
Fans and journalists were astounded by his fast move to New York. Many supporters yelled as he landed at LaGuardia Airport. Still, he said he tried not to let that get to his head.
Mike Piazza's strong start with the Mets and how he helped the team
Mike Piazza had a debut for the Mets. He caught a complete game shutout by pitcher Al Leiter as the team beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3–0.
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He also came up with a big RBI double, showing he could be a contributor. The Mets then began a winning streak.
Mike Piazza hit very well, with a batting average over. 400 in his first week. Fans quickly recognized his energy and skill on the team.
While some people wondered about his defence throughout his career, his teammates, such as Leiter, lauded him especially. Mike Piazza made the pitchers feel confident by studying their individual styles. Staying with the Mets until 2005, he grew to be among the best players ever on the team. Though it began silently, his Mets' path turned historic.
