NEW YORK — Todd Zeile played for 11 Major League teams from 1989 to 2004. Part of those years – two stints from 2000 to 2001 and 2004 – were spent with the Mets.
Those seasons – in addition to his off-the-field efforts and his current work as an analyst on “SNY TV” – were impactful enough for Zeile to be elected to the New State Baseball Hall of Fame. York. The induction will take place on November 11 in Troy, New York.
“It’s nice to be recognized in one place because the way my career has gone over the years… it’s really hard to establish a legacy in one place,” Zeile said. “But this honor makes it even more special.” I was a little surprised, quite honestly. The Mets are an organization I want to identify with.
Zeile’s impact was first felt during his two years as a first baseman with the Mets. On the field, he helped New York advance to the 2000 Subway Series against the Yankees, who ended up beating their crosstown rivals in five games. Over the course of 10 games in the National League Championship Series and World Series, Zeile went a combined 15-for-39 (.385) with one home run and nine RBIs.
But it’s off the field where Zeile made his mark on Gotham. This follows the tragic events of September 11 more than 22 years ago, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives, including 2,753 at the World Trade Center alone. Days after the terrorist attacks, Zeile and other members of the 2001 Mets, along with other volunteers, helped ensure all food and supplies were in trucks ready to go to Ground Zero.
Zeile is the main reason the Mets became the first team to wear first responder hats on the field after trading hats with a police officer at Ground Zero. Zeile is very proud of the contributions made by the team after the tragic events. His most memorable moment occurred ten days after the attacks.
The Mets played their first game at Shea Stadium against the Braves. Mike Piazza punctuated that memorable affair with a game-winning homer in a 3-2 win over Atlanta, but the first thing that comes to Zeile’s mind is the pomp and circumstance of the game.
“It wasn’t just because I was a player on the field,” Zeile said. “It was because I was a member of the community who was grieving and healing. That match on September 21 is something I’m thinking about today. It was remarkable, memorable and important.
“The most memorable thing about this particular experience, aside from Mike’s home run, was Liza Minnelli coming out during the seventh inning singing the theme to ‘New York, New York’ and doing a kick in chorus with the firefighters. Fans in the seats finally felt like they could celebrate the unity of being New Yorkers and heal together. … At that moment, there was an energy that came into the team. When Mike hit the home run, I felt, “Of course it happened.” It wasn’t like I was surprised. It felt like this was how it was supposed to be.
Every September since 9/11, Zeile joins other members of the 2001 Mets to visit New York City fire stations to let people know they are not forgotten. Last September, for example, Zeile and teammate John Franco had a moving visit with firefighters from Engine 16/Ladder 7. Nine men from this firehouse were tragically killed at Ground Zero.
After his playing career ended, Zeile became a popular figure during the Mets’ pre- and post-game shows on “SNY TV.” After a Mets victory, he gives his “Zile of Approval”, which highlights the game’s star performer. He has been part of the network since 2017.
“The TV work has been a bonus,” Zeile said. “I found my way back to New York with some influence from people like (former Mets COO) Jeff Wilpon and my wife, Kristin. Other than that, I don’t know if I would have returned to baseball. …The Wilpons have been great in encouraging me to spend time on the network. A little bit became a little bit more, and then a semi-regular role turned into a regular role.
