Friday, March 29, 2013

Thoughts on Johan Santana injury/Mets legacy/Farewell

First off, let me start by saying when I post here I attempt to be as professional as possible. This will not be the case here, this post will be downright emotional and probably not the kind you would see in a newspaper, yet it seems necessary so here we go.

Today I have read the news that my favorite pitcher of all time Johan Santana has torn his anterior capsule in his pitching shoulder yet again. This will most likely result in season ending surgery, and thus spell the end of Johan's tenure as a New York Met and possibly his entire career. Emotions pulling away at me from the insides regarding others opinions about Santana has pushed me to write this. Many people are saying that he should just give up, the Mets were wrong to sign him, he is a bust, etc etc etc you know the drill. The fact of the matter is, they are all wrong. Their opinion on Santana is far from reality from numerous aspects, so let us begin.

As I recall following my 8th grade graduation ceremony, my family and I head to the Carmel Diner to celebrate. Me as a young kid, barely into baseball, wanted to catch a Mets game and hope they would win for me. Boy, was I wrong. As I sat there eating my cheeseburger and fries, I had the privilege of watching Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana carve up the Mets lineup like a Thanksgiving turkey and throw a complete game shutout. His circle changeup had me in awe from the beginning and I thought to myself "Man, this guy is incredible" Shortly thereafter I followed his career more and more. I always wanted him on the Mets, but I thought the Twins would never be stupid enough to let such a talent go.....

I woke up during the winter of 07-08 early as I always did in anticipation of the "MLB hot stove" where teams sign free agents and make blockbuster trades hoping for a move to push the Mets over the top. Day after day went by and I saw the Twins were shopping Johan Santana. I thought: "Why the hell would they consider trading him?" Yet when the Mets pulled the trigger, I didn't question it. The Mets have traded for my favorite pitcher and signed him to an extension. My dream has come true.

Fast forward to game 161 of the 2008 season with the Mets needing a win against the Marlins to keep the season alive. Johan Santana took the mound on short rest, coming off a career high pitch count, and pitching with a torn meniscus. Johan Santana fried the fish with a complete game shutout giving the Mets a chance to head back to postseason baseball. Thanks to Oliver Perez, that postseason appearance Johan worked so hard for never came to fruition, but I never forgot the bulldog mentality he brought to the mound. Johan never gave up and he would not quit.

"He struck him out! It has happened! In their 51st season Johan Santana has thrown the first no hitter in New York Mets history!" Indeed he did, truly a moment I will never forget. Johan Santana has etched his name in New York Mets history for eternity. He has broken the curse. The Mets have their no hitter. For a franchise known for terrific pitchers like Doc Gooden, Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, David Cone, Pedro Martinez, Tom Glavine, the list goes on and on but my point is the Mets have never had a no hitter, until now. That memory will always stick with me. Sitting in the same position on my couch from the 5th inning on not moving a muscle. If I needed a drink, I would call my brother to get it for me. My rear end was not leaving that seat even if my house was on fire. Coming off anterior capsule surgery that many thought would ruin Santana's career, he threw a career high 134 pitches and tossed a no hitter. There is that bulldog mentality I admire so much. The man everyone said couldn't do it, did. He defied odds, he believed in himself, and he pretty much made everyone eat their words. But not me. Oh no, I believed in Johan from day one. I've never said a bad word about him, and he made 6/1/12 one of the happiest day of my life.

I would love to go on talking about how great Johan is, but that would simply take way too much time. All I have to say is it was worth it. All of it. Santana has earned his contract and then some. Although I've never met Johan, I know this isn't the end. I know him. He will not quit. He doesn't have an ounce of quit in his body. He'll be back. By God, come hell or high water he will be back. Whether it's with the Mets is another question for another day. If not, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart Johan, you've made a 20 year old feel like a giddy kid again and as I tear up writing this, thank you for the memories. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. God bless you, Johan Santana.