Mike Piazza wasn’t voted into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot this year, and playing in the Steroid Era no doubt had something to do with that. But the former Mets catching great still is optimistic about one day getting into Cooperstown.
“I think the process for what it is … I got a tremendous amount of support and I think part of it as a player and as a person, sometimes you just have to expect processes and understand that this is the way it’s always been done,” Piazza said Sunday prior to the Legends and Celebrity softball game, part of the All-Star Weekend festivities at Citi Field. “And as I’ve said many times before, there’s been some great players in history that had to wait their turn, so I am very proud of my career.”
The 12-time All-Star, who played for the Mets from 1998-2005, had a lifetime 427 home runs, 1,335 RBIs and .308 average. Though he was not named in the 2007 Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drugs, some suspicions about Piazza linger — perhaps one reason Hall voters kept Piazza out.
“There’s nothing you can do about that,” Piazza said. “You just tell your story and live your life.”
In his book, “The Long Shot,” which came out in February, Piazza said he never took illegal steroids but admitted to taking androstenedione and ephedra before they were banned by the MLB.
“I put my body of work up against anybody and it’s something obviously that is such a huge part of my life and I am proud of it,” he said. “Everything else is out of my hands.”
The Mets announced Sunday that Piazza will be inducted into their Hall of Fame in September.
“It was without a doubt the most exciting time of my life,” Piazza said of his time in Flushing. “I’ve said all along, the Mets have always had some very colorful and outstanding ballplayers in their history, and to be in that group is really great for me.”
Piazza also said though it is tough to watch the Mets in a rebuilding phase, he hopes it will pay off in a few years.
“Obviously, there is a ways to go and there are some pieces that need to be added,” Piazza said. “Sometimes you have to take a few steps back to take a step forward and I think that’s what the Mets have done throughout their history.
“Now it’s about development and drafting and keeping guys healthy. It’s fun to watch. I’m optimistic that this team is going in the right direction.”
The Mets haven’t been to the playoffs since 2006, the year after Piazza left the team and signed with the Padres. They have finished in fourth place in the NL East in each of the past four seasons.
“It seems like this team is slowly but surely rebuilding and getting back to what the roots are — and that is obviously pitching and defense,” Piazza said. “The way this organization is progressing, I think it’s cause for optimism with the fans.”
One of the primary causes for optimism is ace Matt Harvey, who will pitch in the All-Star Game on Tuesday.
“He’s got great stuff. He is going to continue to mature and part of it is handling the tough times as well,” Piazza said. “I think when he has a few setbacks, that is going to test his character a little bit and help his development.