The Mets wore special U.S.-themed cleats that commemorated the Sept. 11 tragedy during their home game last night against the D-backs, and the shoes “were ordered” by Mets 1B Pete Alonso. The likely NL Rookie of the Year “wanted to do something to show his respect for the victims and for the memory, so he went around … and got all of his teammates’ cleat sizes.” He had the cleats “custom ordered and custom made.” The cleats came from different apparel companies and included various tributes to the NYPD and FDNY, among other groups (“D-backs-Mets,” SNY, 9/11).
Alonso said that he "wanted to design hats the Mets could wear on the field, but that idea was rejected" by MLB. The league "hasn't allowed the Mets to wear first responder hats during games" since '01. Alonso indicated that he "didn't contact" MLB about the cleats. He said, "It may not have been approved" (AP, 9/12). The Mets did wear first responder caps for batting practice, then they "wore their regular caps with a 'We Shall Not Surrender' silhouetted batter ribbon during the game." For the national anthem, "first responders joined each team on the field" (Bergen RECORD, 9/12).