The Fox News Rundown Extra: A Mets Legend on How Baseball Helped America Heal After 9/11
Apr 5, 2026
John Franco, longtime Mets closer and community advocate, recalls returning to a city in mourning after 9/11. He describes team relief efforts at the stadium, the tense first game back and Mike Piazza’s moment that united fans. Franco also talks about honoring first responders and shares his views on recent baseball rule changes.
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Silent Return To A Changed Skyline
- John Franco described the silent bus ride back to New York and the first sight of smoke near the George Washington Bridge.
- Players sat in stunned silence from the bridge to Shea Stadium, reflecting disbelief and shock at Ground Zero's smoke and lights.
Mets Turned Stadium Into A Relief Hub
- Franco recounted Mets players unloading tractor trailers and working the stadium staging area after brief workouts.
- Sue Lucci ran stadium operations like a machine, organizing supplies, cots, and volunteers under the stadium.
Players Met Victims' Families At Shea
- Franco explained Jay Horowitz organized weekly visits where victims' families met players to help reconnect the city.
- Those meetings let players meet wives and children who lost loved ones at the World Trade Center, grounding recovery efforts.