The Mets opened up a three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. This game marked Matt Harvey’s first time at Citi Field since he was DFA’d by New York after he refused to accept a minor league assignment.
The Mets honored Harvey for his time with the organization in the following tribute video:
The Mets' tribute to Matt Harvey pic.twitter.com/lVDEORTIFi
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 6, 2018
Harvey was met with a sea of cheers following the video. However, audience members booed Harvey as well.
Harvey was dominant at the beginning of his career with the club, but his Tommy John surgery left him a shell of his former self.
He also had problems off the field with the front office. As such, Harvey understands the mixed reactions that he has received.
“I can understand that there will be some boos. I do want everybody to know I do regret a lot of mistakes I made. But I did put my heart into this organization.”
Harvey quickly established himself as a top pitcher in the majors during the early stages of his career. His dominance reached its peak in 2013 when he earned the first All-Star selection. He posted a sparkling 2.27 ERA to go along with 191 strikeouts. Finishing 4th in the NL CY Young voting, it is hard to deny the value that he added to the club.
Harvey is also one of the main reasons that the Mets were able to advance to the World Series in 2015. Playing at the World Series was an opportunity that Harvey was grateful for.
He stated:
“When you get a chance to suit up and pitch in October, November, those are things you’ll never forget. I definitely gave it my all. Obviously, my body just couldn’t handle it.”
Although Harvey is not slated to pitch in the series, the Dark Knight’s return to Citi Field has undoubtedly sparked some emotion in New York baseball fans who remember the former NL Comeback Player of the Year for the good he did for the organization rather than the bad.
Featured Image via Flickr/slgckgc
