Mookie Wilson to throw first pitch, sign autographs at Syracuse Mets opener April 5

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A member of the 1986 World Series champion New York Mets will visit NBT Bank Stadium for the Syracuse Mets season opener April 5.

Mookie Wilson will throw a ceremonial first pitch before the game and will then sign autographs for fans on the concourse from 7-8 p.m., the Syracuse Mets announced.

The Syracuse Mets are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets.

Wilson was a Mets outfielder from 1980-1989 and ranks among the club’s all-time leaders in almost every offensive category. He is perhaps most remembered for dodging a two-out, two-strike wild pitch from Boston Red Sox pitcher Bob Stanley in the 10th inning of Game 6 of the 1986 World Series that allowed Kevin Mitchell to score the tying run. Then, Wilson hit a ground ball that went under Boston first baseman Bill Buckner’s glove, allowing Ray Knight to score the winning run and force a Game 7 that the Mets won to capture the 1986 title.

The Syracuse Mets will face the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in the April 5 opener with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. The RailRiders are the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Besides the Mookie Wilson visit, the opening-night festivities will also include a bucket-hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans through the gates and a post-game fireworks display, the Syracuse Mets said.