Mets Set to Honor Legends Beltran, Valentine, and Mazzilli in Surprising Hall of Fame Ceremony—What You Need to Know

You know, every once in a while, a team hits that sweet spot where history is made and legends are celebrated. Well, the Mets are gearing up for one of those moments, announcing the induction of three undeniable icons into their Hall of Fame. Yes, Carlos Beltran, Bobby Valentine, and Lee Mazzilli will soon have their names etched in Mets lore, with a special ceremony planned at Citi Field in the 2026 season.

Beltran, who dazzled Queens from 2005 to 2011 with his electrifying play, five All-Star nods, and three Gold Gloves, has left a mark that’s hard to overstate. Then there’s Valentine, whose colorful and strategic leadership in the late ’90s and early 2000s took the Mets to heights that city fans still reminisce about — think NLCS and a memorable World Series run. And don’t sleep on Mazzilli, the Brooklyn-bred fan favorite whose clutch hitting and spirited play made him a quintessential part of Mets history, especially during that iconic 1986 championship season.

It’s a trifecta that tells a rich story of talent, heart, and resilience — a perfect snapshot of what Mets baseball really means. I gotta say, this announcement doesn’t just honor three greats; it reignites the passion for a proud franchise and its fans. LEARN MORE

The Mets are adding three new members to the team’s Hall of Fame.

Carlos Beltran, Bobby Valentine, and Lee Mazzilli will be inducted during a ceremony at Citi Field during the 2026 season.

Beltran, 48, is currently working in New York’s office after making his mark in Queens as one of the best all-around players the team ever had.

From 2005 to 2011, Beltran starred in center field for New York as he made five All-Star teams, won three Gold Glove awards, and was a driving force during the club’s run to the 2006 NLCS.

In seven seasons for the Mets, Beltran slashed .280/.369/.500 with 149 home runs, 208 doubles, 559 RBI, 551 runs scored, and 100 stolen bases.

His best season in Flushing came in 2006, when he blasted 41 home runs to tie what was then the single-season club record, had a career-best OPS of .982, and finished fourth in voting for the National League MVP award.

“Carlos’ impact on the organization was and continues to be invaluable,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a news release. “His unique blend of power, speed and defensive grace made him one of the most dynamic players ever to wear a Mets uniform. He is a respected voice inside the clubhouse, sharing his wisdom as a Special Assistant to David Stearns. We are extremely hopeful that he receives positive news this January when the Baseball Hall of Fame announces its 2026 class.”

Valentine, 75, was one of the most colorful managers the Mets ever had.

He went 536-467 during his tenure in New York from 1996 to 2002, helming the Mets’ trip to the NLCS in 1999 and to the World Series in 2000.

Valentine also had a stint as a player for the Mets from 1977 to 1978 and was a coach from 1983 to 1985.

“Bobby served as the charismatic manager of the Mets from 1996 to 2002,” said the Cohens. “He ranks third in franchise history with 536 wins and became the first skipper to guide the team to consecutive Postseason appearances, in 1999 and 2000 — a run that culminated in a trip to the World Series in 2000. Known for his innovation, baseball intellect and relentless pursuit of every competitive edge, Bobby V left a lasting mark on the Mets organization.”

Mazzilli, a 70-year-old Brooklyn native, was one of the Mets’ most popular players from his rookie campaign in 1976 through 1981 in what was his first stint in Queens.

He earned an All-Star Game nod in 1979, during a season when he hit .303/.395/.449 and had an .844 OPS.

In August of the 1986 season, the Mets brought Mazzilli back after his stint with the Pirates ended, and he was an important cog for the team down the stretch and in the playoffs. Mazzilli singled to ignite New York’s sixth-inning rally that tied Game 7 of the World Series against the Red Sox.

Mazzilli remained with the Mets until the middle of the 1989 season.

“Lee was drafted by the Mets as an 18-year-old prospect out of Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn,” said the Cohens. “He debuted three years later for the 1976 Mets. He quickly became a fan favorite during the late 70s and hit the first home run by a Met during an All-Star Game in 1979. Mazz returned to the Mets in 1986 and became a key contributor off the bench for the World Championship team, delivering clutch hits in the most crucial moments.”