PITTSBURGH -- The New York Mets will donate Friday's paychecks -- about $500,000 -- to a rescue fund for the families of the firefighters and policemen killed in the terrorist attacks.

The Braves-Mets game Friday night in Shea Stadium will be the first game in New York since Sept. 11.

"I can't be more proud for a group of guys to all get together and have a two-minute vote and say the $500,000 they earned that day is going to go to the families of the police and firefighters who need it so dearly," manager Bobby Valentine said. "Hopefully, it's an example that baseball players are supposed to set."

The Mets wore caps this week honoring the city's firefighters, police and emergency medical services workers, and are expected to pay tribute to them again Friday night.

"We want to show our gratitude to them, and I'm sure we'll have a chance to meet and greet them and shake their hands and congratulate them on their effort," first baseman Todd Zeile said.