The Yankees host the Mets in the Bronx on Friday, Sept. 11 on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that rocked New York City.
The two New York teams will partake in pregame ceremonies honoring the NYPD and FDNY, with players from the 2001 Yankees on hand as well.
Each team played a major role in lifting New York – and America – in the wake of the attacks. On Sept. 21, 2001, the Mets hosted the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium and future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza hit a dramatic home run that lifted his team to victory in the first game played in New York after 9/11.
The Yankees reached the 2001 World Series, regarded as one of the best in history, and President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch before Game 3, but the team ultimately
lost in seven games to the Arizona Diamonndbacks.
"It’s going to be special," Yankees captain Aaron Judge said of Friday's game, as the team visited the 9/11 Monument in Manhattan. "It’s going to be a big day. It’s something that impacted not only a lot of New Yorkers, but the whole world and our whole country."
Here's what to know for Friday at Yankee Stadium:
What time are 9/11 pregame ceremonies at Yankee Stadium?
Fans are asked to be in their seats at 6:30 p.m. for the start of the pregame ceremonies.
Who is throwing first pitch?
The ceremonial first pitches will be thrown by Brielle Saracini, and her husband, Sean McGuire.
Saracini’s father, Victor, was the captain of United Flight 175, which was directed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, where McGuire’s father, Patrick, was working on the 84th floor.
Both Brielle and Sean were 10 years old when they lost their fathers, and the couple met two years later at Camp Better Days, which was established to provide support for children who lost a parent in the tragedy. Brielle and Sean were married on Sept. 9, 2017.
Who will be honored at Yankees vs Mets game on 9/11?
Among those being recognized will be members of the NYPD, FDNY, Port Authority Police Department, Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Tuesday’s Promise (formerly known as Tuesday’s Children).
How Yankees will commemorate 9/11 anniversary
Players from the Yankees' 2001 team are scheduled to participate in pregame ceremonies. Current Yankees players will place a wreath beside the 9/11 monument in Monument Park in the afternoon.
Who will sing the national anthem?
The national anthem will be sung by opera tenor James Valenti.
Pregame performances
"God Bless the USA" will be performed by Lee Greenwood, the Grammy-winning country music artist. FDNY Lieutenant William Arce will sing “God Bless America” in the middle of the seventh inning.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yankees vs Mets on 9/11 anniversary: Emotional ceremonies and first pitch
