New York Sports Community Mourns Loss of Shannon Forde

St. John's University honors late media relations pioneer with jersey presentation

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The New York sports community is still feeling the impact of the passing of Shannon Forde, a pioneering media relations professional who worked for the New York Mets. On Tuesday night, St. John's University honored Forde by presenting a jersey to her mother, Debbie Dalton, during a basketball game between St. John's and Georgetown at Madison Square Garden.

Why it matters

Shannon Forde was a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of sports media relations, paving the way for other women to succeed in the industry. Her passing in 2016 was deeply felt across the New York sports landscape, and the continued tributes to her legacy demonstrate the lasting impact she had on the careers of countless journalists and athletes.

The details

Forde worked for the New York Mets for over 20 years, serving as the team's media relations director. She was known for her professionalism, her dedication to the Mets organization, and her unwavering support of the team's players and staff. Forde passed away in 2016 after a battle with breast cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the New York sports community.

  • The jersey presentation took place on Tuesday night, March 3, 2026, during a basketball game between St. John's and Georgetown at Madison Square Garden.
  • Shannon Forde passed away in 2016 after a battle with breast cancer.

The players

Shannon Forde

A pioneering media relations professional who worked for the New York Mets for over 20 years, serving as the team's media relations director.

Debbie Dalton

The mother of Shannon Forde, who received a St. John's jersey in her daughter's honor during the basketball game.

Ed Kull

The athletic director of St. John's University, who presented the jersey to Debbie Dalton.

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The takeaway

Shannon Forde's impact on the New York sports community continues to be felt years after her passing, as evidenced by the ongoing tributes and honors bestowed upon her memory. Her pioneering work in media relations and her unwavering support for the Mets organization have left a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of sports professionals.