New York Mets pitcher and internet folk hero Bartolo Colon added to his legend Saturday against the San Diego Padres by hitting the first home run of his 19-year Major League Baseball career.
MLB on Twitter provided video of Colon’s triumphant moment:
Since baseball is a sport of numbers, let’s examine some of the stats that accompanied Colon’s big blast, which came off James Shields in the top of the second inning at Petco Park.
MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo noted Statcast clocked Colon rounding the bases in a brisk 30.6 seconds to celebrate his first homer.
DiComo also sent out a GIF of Colon getting mobbed by his Mets teammates in the dugout:
MLB.com’s Darren Willman provided all of the Statcast information from Colon’s homer:
Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports noted Colon’s newfound power would put him in the upper tier of hitters on another National League East club:
Newsday’s Marc Carig was able to tie in Colon’s jog around the bases with Saturday’s other big sporting event:
Sticking with the Kentucky Derby, ESPN Stats & Info provided this little gem connecting Colon and Nyquist:
The legend of Colon has only grown as he’s gotten older. The fascination with a 42-year-old who looks like your favorite uncle but can still get MLB hitters out is off the charts. He came into Saturday’s game with 225 career at-bats and just two extra-base hits—both doubles.
Colon hasn’t had many opportunities to hit throughout his career, not having spent much time in the National League before joining the Mets in 2014. He did have a brief stint with the Montreal Expos in 2002 but has otherwise been an American League pitcher.
Colon has been part of many impressive feats, both individually and as part of a team. He won the Cy Young Award in 2005 and played in the World Series last year, but Saturday’s long ball was one of the most unique accomplishments of his career.
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