LATEST UPDATE: METS Legend Bronze Statue – Kenny Atkinson Acknowledged, Honoring His Legendary Contributions to the METS
In a powerful tribute that stirred emotions across the baseball community, the New York Mets unveiled a bronze statue honoring the legendary Kenny Atkinson, celebrating his profound impact on the franchise. The statue was revealed during a grand ceremony at Citi Field on Wednesday, with fans, former teammates, and baseball dignitaries in attendance. This long-awaited moment marks a milestone in the Mets’ history, paying homage to one of the most respected figures ever associated with the team.
Although known more widely in the basketball realm for his coaching acumen, Kenny Atkinson’s lesser-known but remarkable legacy in baseball — particularly with the Mets during his early athletic career — has long been admired by diehard fans and insiders. The bronze statue commemorates not just his time on the field, but also the leadership, grit, and spirit he brought to the organization during a transformative period.
The event, titled “Legends Forever,” coincided with the Mets’ annual Legacy Weekend, where past and present heroes are celebrated. The highlight was undoubtedly the statue’s unveiling, a moment filled with thunderous applause and visible emotion. Crafted by renowned sculptor Nina Franklin, the statue captures Atkinson in a classic pose: bat in hand, eyes focused with unshakable determination — a symbol of his fierce dedication.
Team owner Steve Cohen opened the ceremony, reflecting on Atkinson’s enduring influence. “Kenny wasn’t just a player; he was a standard-bearer for work ethic and passion. He inspired everyone around him to be better, and that legacy lives on. Today, we give him a place of permanence, not just in our hearts, but in our stadium.”
Former Mets manager Terry Collins also offered heartfelt remarks, sharing stories of Atkinson’s unrelenting drive and ability to lift the locker room even during the toughest seasons. “Kenny always played with a chip on his shoulder — not for fame, but for the team. He was the guy who showed up early, stayed late, and never let the scoreboard define his attitude.”
The decision to honor Atkinson came after years of fan petitions and internal discussions within the Mets organization. Although Atkinson transitioned away from professional baseball relatively early to pursue coaching in the NBA — where he made a name as a player development guru — his contributions to the Mets were pivotal during a crucial rebuilding phase in the late 1990s.
While his MLB career stats might not tell the full story, Atkinson’s time with the Mets was marked by clutch plays, consistency under pressure, and an unwavering commitment to the team. Teammates recall him as a “glue guy,” the player who held the locker room together and kept morale high even when the wins were scarce.
The statue now stands just outside the main entrance to Citi Field, near the iconic Home Run Apple. It has already become a gathering point for fans, many of whom were seen taking photos and leaving notes of appreciation. For younger generations unfamiliar with Atkinson’s journey, QR codes near the statue link to archival footage and testimonials that capture the depth of his Mets legacy.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. “This is long overdue,” said Marc Feldman, a lifelong Mets supporter who attended the unveiling with his son. “Kenny might not have been the biggest name, but he was the kind of player who made you proud to wear blue and orange.”
Even Atkinson, known for his humility, was visibly moved during his brief speech. “I never imagined something like this,” he said. “The Mets gave me a home when I was finding my way, and to be remembered like this — it means more than I can put into words.”
He added, with a smile, “To all the kids out there who may not be the stars — keep working. Sometimes, the heart you bring matters just as much as the stats you rack up.”
As the sun set behind the stadium, casting a golden hue on the new statue, the message was clear: Kenny Atkinson’s legacy with the Mets transcends numbers. It lives in the culture he helped build, the resilience he embodied, and the inspiration he continues to provide.
With this fitting tribute, the Mets have solidified Atkinson’s place among the legends — not just for what he did on the diamond, but for how he carried himself off it. A permanent reminder now stands in bronze: a testament to the enduring spirit of a true Mets icon.
