Mookie Wilson was a World Series hero in 1986. He was also one of my all-time favorite players.
Growing up in Brooklyn, NY as a New York Mets fan in the 1980s, the Mets were everything to me as a young kid. My baseball hero was “The Kid” Gary Carter. I wanted to be a catcher just like him. I also had a number of other players on the Mets that I really enjoyed watching as a young fan — one of those players was Mookie Wilson.
I first met Mookie in 2019 when he visited us at the Charlotte Knights. It was special as I was able to have my dad come out and attend the game — and meet Mookie. My dad’s brother, my Uncle Kenny, was also there to meet Mookie. Three diehard Mets fans getting to talk with one of the heroes from the 1986 World Series-winning season. It was special.
In August of 2026 — just a few weeks ago — Mookie was back in my life as our special guest at the 7th Annual Diversity in Baseball HBCU Showcase. This year’s event featured over 90 high school baseball players and over 25 college coaches on hand for this special event at The Stick in West Charlotte.
The event was a huge success as it provided a number of opportunities and life lessons.
For me, it was an opportunity to welcome Mookie to our dinner banquet as our keynote speaker. As Mookie waited patiently to speak to our large group, I played the entire ninth inning that changed the course for the Mets in game six of the 1986 World Series. Everyone sat and watched. It was must-see TV — especially if you are a Mets fan.
After watching Mookie hit that little roller up along the bag, he stepped to the microphone and spoke to the group. His speech was amazing. It was from the heart.
The next day, Mookie got up early with us and was on LIVE TV on WCCB Charlotte with my good buddy, Adam Wurtzel. It meant a lot to Adam as he is also a diehard Mets fan. Mookie even called his dad on the phone. Awesome moment.
By the way — it was more than just talking to players and coaches for Mookie. He also provided food for both days courtesy of his Legacy Catering company with his brothers.
This year’s event was one I’ll never forget.
