Hall of Famer Mike Piazza has his No. 31 retired by Mets

NEW YORK - Hall of Fame catcher Mike Piazza has gotten his No. 31 retired by the New York Mets in a pregame ceremony at Citi Field.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The half-hour tribute Saturday night included his parents, family members, former teammates, friends and a lot of chants and cheers. He ended his 6-minute speech with a shout of ''Let's go, Mets!''

The 47-year-old Piazza was inducted into the baseball Hall last Sunday in Cooperstown. He became the fourth Mets person to have his number retired by the team, joining pitcher Tom Seaver and managers Casey Stengel and Gil Hodges.

Piazza's number now hangs in a big circle on the facade above the upper deck in left field. Looking toward the marker, he told fans that any time the team was down and needed a little inspiration, they should ''just give a little peek up there to ol' Mikey.''

The ceremony came before the Mets hosted Colorado.