FLUSHING, Queens – The New York Mets celebrated former star outfielder Carlos Beltrán on Saturday by retiring his number 15 before the team’s second‑to‑last home game of a disappointing season.
Beltrán, a nine‑time All‑Star and Hall of Fame inductee, was introduced to a crowd of fans at Citi Field and then led onto the field where his jersey was raised to the rafters. He also entered the Mets Hall of Fame during the ceremony.
Beltrán’s future plans
When asked about the possibility of returning as manager, Beltrán said the role would be a “huge commitment” and that he is currently focused on being a dad, a husband, and running the Carlos Beltrán Academy in Puerto Rico. “I love what I’m doing right now,” he said, adding that a full‑time managerial job would prevent him from giving his family and academy the attention they deserve.
Recent Mets turmoil
The ceremony came amid a season of upheaval for the Mets. General manager David Stearns dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza on June 26 after a 34‑47 start, and interim manager Andy Green has guided the club to a 36‑37 record since taking over.
Beltrán praised Green’s work, saying, “Andy has done an incredible job for the Mets.” He also expressed confidence that the organization’s next steps will benefit the team.
Beltrán’s legacy
Beltrán is the 12th Mets player to have his number retired and the 38th person inducted into the franchise’s Hall of Fame. He returned to the organization in 2023 as a special assistant in the front office, offering his perspective on player development and team decisions.
Over his six‑plus seasons with the Mets (2005‑2011), Beltrán posted a .280 batting average, 149 home runs, 559 RBIs and 100 stolen bases, while earning three Gold Glove awards. He was also the only Astros player named in MLB’s report on the 2017 sign‑stealing scandal, a controversy that led to his brief 2019 managerial stint.
Looking ahead
Beltrán said he hopes his experiences will help guide the next generation of players. “My skin got thicker playing in this city, and I want to share that with the kids who might fill the same shoes I filled,” he said.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
