UPDATE: Jacob deGrom electrified the crowd at Citi Field on September 15, 2023, as he returned to face his former team, the New York Mets, for the first time since leaving in December 2022. In a dramatic start, he was greeted with roaring applause and a stunning six-run lead before even throwing a pitch, setting the stage for a memorable night.
DeGrom, now pitching for the Texas Rangers, showcased his dominance on the mound, allowing just three runs and four hits over seven innings, ultimately leading his team to an 8-3 victory. The win solidified his 2.82 ERA this season, following a challenging recovery from Tommy John surgery.
As the game commenced, fans were initially stunned when the Rangers quickly knocked out rookie Josh Tong, forcing the Mets to scramble. When deGrom finally took the mound, the cheers returned, although they were somewhat muted as fans absorbed the fast-paced action. He retired the last 15 batters he faced, averaging an impressive 98 mph on his fastball.
A touching video montage of deGrom’s highlights played before the game, set to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” his signature warm-up song. The scoreboard flashed “Welcome back Jacob,” eliciting another round of applause from the crowd, who recognized the impact he had during his nine seasons with the Mets.
“He represented a lot and meant a lot to this organization,”
said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
“He was a show. He was the guy that people came to the ballpark to watch him pitch.”
DeGrom holds the franchise record for ERA at 2.52 and has been a pivotal figure in Mets history, winning the NL Rookie of the Year in 2014 and the Cy Young Award in 2018 and 2019. His return was met with poignant nostalgia, as fans remembered his journey from a promising rookie to an elite pitcher.
Despite the accolades, deGrom faced significant challenges in recent years, being limited to just 26 starts in the 2021-2022 seasons due to injuries. He opted out of his Mets contract after the 2022 season, relinquishing a $30.5 million salary to sign a $185 million five-year deal with the Rangers. After undergoing surgery, he made his comeback this season, proving he could still deliver top-tier performances.
Entering Friday’s game, deGrom had a fastball velocity of 97.5 mph, ranking second in the league for pitchers who have thrown at least 1,000 pitches. His ability to command the baseball has been a key factor in his resurgence, with fans and analysts alike eager to see if he can maintain this form.
As the game concluded, deGrom’s return not only solidified his status as a fan favorite but also demonstrated his enduring talent on the field. The Rangers are now looking to build momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season.
The emotional connection between deGrom and Mets fans remains strong, and this game served as a reminder of the legacy he built during his time in New York. As he continues to perform at a high level, all eyes will be on deGrom in the upcoming games to see if he can sustain his comeback.
