Mets Mourn Loss of PR Exec Shannon Forde 10 Years Later

Mets honor Forde's legacy with ceremony at Madison Square Garden

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:31am

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Ten years after the passing of beloved Mets public relations executive Shannon Forde, the team and her alma mater St. John's University are honoring her memory with a special ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Forde, who worked for the Mets from 1994 until her death in 2016 after a battle with cancer, was remembered for her tireless dedication, warm personality, and trailblazing role for women in professional sports.

Why it matters

Shannon Forde's story resonates as a testament to perseverance, professionalism, and the power of community. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Forde broke barriers and earned the respect of players, media, and the Mets organization. Her legacy continues to inspire young women pursuing careers in sports.

The details

Forde passed away in 2016 at the age of 44 after a nearly four-year battle with cancer. Despite her illness, she continued working for the Mets until the end, earning praise from colleagues like former manager Terry Collins for her dedication and refusal to let her illness define her. This Tuesday, St. John's University will honor Forde, a former student, by presenting her family with a jersey during the Johnnies' game against Georgetown at Madison Square Garden.

  • Forde passed away on March 4, 2016.
  • The memorial service for Forde took place 10 years ago this month.
  • The ceremony honoring Forde will take place this Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Shannon Forde

A public relations executive who worked for the New York Mets from 1994 until her death in 2016 at the age of 44 after a battle with cancer. Forde was known for her tireless dedication, warm personality, and trailblazing role for women in professional sports.

David Wright

A former captain of the New York Mets who was one of Shannon Forde's closest friends. He spoke at her memorial service, calling it "one of the most difficult things imaginable."

Ed Kull

The athletic director at St. John's University, Forde's alma mater, who will present her family with a jersey during the ceremony honoring her.

John Franco

A former captain of the New York Mets who will join Ed Kull in presenting Forde's family with a jersey during the ceremony at Madison Square Garden.

Terry Collins

The former manager of the New York Mets who worked with Shannon Forde during her cancer treatments, praising her dedication and refusal to let her illness define her.

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What they’re saying

“Speaking at the memorial was one of the most difficult things imaginable. I was overwhelmed with sadness when I looked into both Nicky and Kendall's eyes [her kids] and offered my condolences, while knowing they wouldn't get the privilege of learning from their mother the way I did.”

— David Wright

“Shannon was one of a kind. She had the ability to flip the switch from public relations mentor to 'big sister mode.' She could walk into a room and get a feel for what was needed that day. She made me feel so comfortable early in New York, and I truly believe it translated to feeling more comfortable on the field.”

— David Wright

“We are proud of what Shannon accomplished during her career. She did so much to promote women in the pro ranks and we are honored that she got her start with us.”

— Ed Kull, St. John's Athletic Director

“Sometimes when a PR person approaches you, you run the other way. Shannon just lit up a room. I don't think I ever refused one thing she asked of me.”

— Ron Darling, SNY analyst and Mets Hall of Famer

“She never wanted pity. She loved her job and really didn't want to talk about her illness. When she died there was a real void in our locker room. I don't know how she managed raising two young kids, being sick, doing a tough job and making the long commute from New Jersey every day.”

— Terry Collins, Former Mets Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Shannon Forde's story is a powerful testament to perseverance, professionalism, and the impact one person can have. As a trailblazer for women in sports, her legacy continues to inspire the next generation and remind us of the importance of community, compassion, and never taking life for granted.