Former Mets pitcher Al Leiter recounts harrowing 9/11 experience, emphasizing unchanging historical truth

On September 11, 2001, former New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter found himself unexpectedly grounded in New York City, witnessing the unfolding tragedy that would forever alter the nation’s landscape. What began as a clandestine personal trip to attend a family milestone quickly transformed into a firsthand encounter with one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in American history, as he navigated a city in lockdown.

Leiter’s account, shared years later, details a morning that starkly contrasted a father’s simple devotion with an unprecedented national crisis. His story underscores the profound impact of that day, not just on a global scale, but on the personal lives of millions, including those who, like him, were caught unaware in the heart of the chaos.

A father’s quiet mission before pitching duty

Al Leiter, then a seasoned pitcher for the New York Mets, had a game scheduled in Pittsburgh on September 11, 2001. However, a more pressing personal commitment called him back to New York City: his daughter’s first day of first grade. Without informing team management, Leiter made a swift, unscheduled flight home, intending to drop off his daughter and immediately catch a shuttle back to join his team.

This decision, a rare departure from his routine, was driven by a desire to provide comfort and presence for his child. He had been in the major leagues for over 15 years and felt confident in his ability to quickly return to Pittsburgh. Leiter acknowledged the unusual nature of his actions, expressing surprise at his own boldness in bypassing the standard protocols of informing manager Bobby Valentine or general manager Steve Phillips.

Grounded at LaGuardia as the crisis began

After successfully taking his daughter to school, Leiter proceeded to LaGuardia Airport, preparing for his return flight. As he sat on the tarmac, initial, confusing reports began to surface. A pilot’s announcement mentioned what appeared to be a news helicopter near the World Trade Center, suggesting a minor incident was unfolding.

Within minutes, however, the situation escalated dramatically. The planes were ordered back to the gates, and passengers were instructed to disembark. New York airspace was abruptly closed, and LaGuardia Airport was evacuated. Despite the sudden and drastic turn of events, the full scope of the catastrophe had not yet registered with Leiter, who initially still believed the Mets would play their scheduled game that evening.

A city under siege, a changing perspective

Determined to reach his team, Leiter attempted to find an alternative route, hailing a taxi with the intention of traveling to Philadelphia to catch another flight. It was during this desperate attempt to leave the city that the true horror of the attacks became undeniably clear. As he traversed the Triborough Bridge, the sight of the World Trade Center towers engulfed in flames became a stark and terrifying reality.

The city’s infrastructure quickly shut down, blocking his path south. Leiter rerouted north on the Major Deegan Expressway, aiming to bypass New York via the Tappan Zee Bridge and New Jersey. During this drive, the radio broadcast chilling news: the Pentagon had also been struck. The gravity of the situation prompted an immediate call to general manager Steve Phillips, where Leiter tentatively inquired about the game, realizing the absurdity of the question amidst such devastation. Phillips simply told him not to worry.

Preserving the truth of history

Decades later, Leiter reflects on that day with a profound sense of its unique and tragic nature. He emphasizes the stark contrast between his personal, almost audacious, mission and the “most heinous terrorist act” in the nation’s history that unfolded simultaneously. His story, he notes, remains constant, a testament to the fixed reality of historical events, even as public narratives sometimes shift.

Leiter voices concern over any attempts to reshape the narrative surrounding 9/11, stressing the critical importance of remembering the facts. He highlights key aspects that must endure in collective memory:

• The deliberate and malicious nature of the attacks.
• The tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives.
• The immense heroism of nearly 400 firefighters who ascended the towers to save others.
• The enduring call to “Never Forget” as more than just a slogan, but a vital duty.

He argues that as time progresses, there’s a risk of historical events becoming diluted or reinterpreted, making the commitment to a clear and accurate memory even more essential. For Leiter, the events of September 11, 2001, serve as a constant reminder of both personal vulnerability and national resilience, a day forever etched in his memory and the fabric of American history.