Yankees star honors 9/11 victims with stunning tribute before emotional Mets matchup
Wells will wear specially designed FDNY catching gear as the Yankees and Mets meet on the 25th anniversary of 9/11
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells will carry a powerful reminder of September 11 onto the field Friday, unveiling specially designed catching gear for the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Wells ’ equipment features a prominent tribute to the New York City Fire Department, with “FDNY” displayed across the front of his chest protector and the department’s distinctive emblem positioned on the sides.
The words “Never Forget” appear above the lettering, while the back features his No. 28 inside a firefighter’s cross.
EvoShield, which produced Wells ’ specialized equipment, plans to auction it following the game, with the proceeds going toward the FDNY. That will give the gesture an added charitable element while honoring the firefighters and other first responders who played such a crucial role in the aftermath of the attacks.
The timing makes Wells’ tribute particularly meaningful. The Yankees will welcome the New York Mets to Yankee Stadium on Friday night for the opening game of their final Subway Series of the 2026 regular season.
It’ll be only the second time the crosstown rivals have faced one another on September 11, following an 8-7 Yankees victory over the Mets in 2021, on the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
A night of remembrance and baseball
Friday’s game will be part of a broader effort across Major League Baseball to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. The league has planned commemorative ceremonies throughout the country, while players, managers, coaches and umpires will wear special caps featuring a “We Shall Never Forget” side patch.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the emotional significance of having New York’s two baseball teams meet on such an important anniversary.
"It's going to be incredible," Boone said Thursday afternoon. "Very emotional. I know there's going to be people in the building that have very strong ties or some very personal connection to the tragedy that took place.
Baseball has a unique history with New York’s recovery after September 11. Following the attacks, MLB postponed games for several weeks. The Mets eventually played the first professional baseball game in New York after the tragedy on September 21, 2001.
Mike Piazza then provided one of the most memorable moments in the city’s sporting history, hitting a game-winning two-run home run that sparked an emotional celebration at Shea Stadium.
The Yankees returned to their home field on September 25 and went on an unforgettable postseason run, eventually reaching the World Series before falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.
This year’s Subway Series also carries significant competitive implications. The Yankees enter the matchup battling for position in the American League East and wild-card race, while the Mets have surged in the weeks following the trade deadline and arrive in strong form.
Yet with the 25th anniversary providing such a solemn backdrop, baseball may feel secondary for much of the evening. Wells ’ specially designed equipment offers a striking way to remember those who were lost and keep the promise to never forget firmly at the center of the night.
