Mets induct Mike Piazza into team hall of fame

In front of a near-capacity crowd at Citi Field, former New York Mets slugger Mike Piazza was inducted into the team's hall of fame.

"This is the first time that I'm speechless," he said. "What an amazing reception. What an amazing run we had and are still having. Thank you."

Piazza was honored during a 30-minute ceremony before the season finale Sunday against Milwaukee. His family and a group of former Mets were present as he became the 27th member of the club's Hall of Fame, joining Tom Seaver, Casey Stengel and Gary Carter.

"I can't really express how grateful I am," Piazza said at a news conference before the ceremony. "Just an amazing journey, really."

Piazza hit 427 career home runs and received 57.8 percent of the vote in his first season on the ballot for the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He needed 75 percent to make the cut.

But now, he is honored forever in the team's hall of fame. The question remains as to whether he will be inducted into the national Hall of Fame, but his induction Sunday may push him over the edge.