Mets to wear first responder caps pregame on 9/11

NEW YORK -- Before their game against the Nationals on Wednesday, the Mets will honor New York City's first responders by wearing hats representing the city's service departments during batting practice.

It's one of several tributes the Mets will be making in honor of the victims of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Players from both the Mets and Nationals will host a meet-and-greet with families from Tuesday's Children, a nonprofit organization committed to all children and individuals directly affected by the events of 9/11.

New York pitchers Dillon Gee and Tim Byrdak will also be at Cantor Fitzgerald's annual Charity Day on Wednesday, representing the 9/11 Tribute Center. Former Mets closer John Franco will also be on hand to help raise funds for Tuesday's Children.

During a pregame ceremony, a seedling from a survivor tree from the World Trade Center will be donated to three communities that have overcome tragedy. Representatives from the Rockaways, which overcame Superstorm Sandy, Prescott, Ariz., which suffered the loss of 19 firefighters in the Yarnell Hill Fire, and Boston, which suffered the Boston Marathon bombings, will be present at the ceremony.