Introduction
The name Bartolo Colon evokes a specific feeling for baseball fans. It’s not about Cy Young awards, although he has one. It’s not about blazing fastballs, although he once threw harder than almost anyone. It’s something else entirely. It’s about the sheer joy of watching a man, seemingly defying the conventional image of a professional athlete, play the game with an infectious smile and an unexpected flair. Bartolo Colon, affectionately known as “Big Sexy,” carved out a unique space in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts, and his time at Citi Field, the home of the New York Mets, is a crucial chapter in that endearing narrative. Citi Field, more than just a ballpark of brick and steel, became a canvas for Colon’s artistry, a stage for his unexpected heroics, and a testament to the enduring power of entertainment in sports.
Citi Field: A New Stage
Citi Field, opened in two thousand and nine, stands as a modern monument to baseball in Queens, New York. Replacing the iconic Shea Stadium, it promised a new era for the Mets, a new generation of players, and a new set of memories. While the stadium itself has a storied, if sometimes turbulent, history, it was Bartolo Colon who truly injected a dose of pure, unadulterated fun into the Citi Field experience. His tenure there, spanning from two thousand and fourteen to two thousand and sixteen, provided fans with unforgettable moments that transcended the typical box score analysis. From his improbable at-bats to his surprisingly agile (or not-so-agile) fielding attempts, Colon turned every appearance at Citi Field into must-see television.
Colon’s Time with the Mets
His time with the Mets, specifically within the confines of Citi Field, saw Colon pitch to a respectable earned run average and contribute valuable innings to a team chasing playoff contention. While his statistics might not scream “hall of famer,” his impact on the team and the fans was immeasurable. He was more than just a pitcher; he was an entertainer, a personality, a meme waiting to happen. Each start at Citi Field was an event, a chance to witness something truly special, something that reminded everyone why they loved baseball in the first place. The atmosphere in the stands noticeably changed when Colon took the mound at Citi Field, buzzing with anticipation and a sense that anything, truly anything, could happen.
The Home Run
However, one moment stands above all others, forever etching Bartolo Colon’s name into Citi Field lore: the home run. The date was May seven, two thousand and sixteen. The opponent was the San Diego Padres, and the pitcher was James Shields. The situation was tense, a close game hanging in the balance. But for Colon, it was just another opportunity to defy expectations. With his signature helmet barely perched atop his head, he stepped into the batter’s box, a sight that always elicited a mix of anticipation and amusement from the Citi Field crowd. The first pitch came, and then the second. And then, it happened. Colon swung with all his might, connecting with the ball and sending it soaring into the left-field stands.
The Reaction
The reaction was instantaneous and electric. The crowd erupted in a frenzy of cheers, disbelief, and pure joy. Colon, initially appearing as surprised as anyone, rounded the bases with a speed that defied both his age and his physique. The dugout emptied, and his teammates greeted him with a hero’s welcome. The broadcast call, delivered with equal measures of shock and enthusiasm, cemented the moment in baseball history. The Bartolo Colon home run wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. It went viral instantly, shared and replayed countless times across social media. It became a symbol of the unpredictable and often absurd beauty of baseball.
Citi Field Celebrates
In the days and weeks following the home run, Citi Field became a shrine to Bartolo Colon. Fans created signs, chanted his name, and celebrated his unexpected power. The home run was replayed endlessly on the stadium’s video board, each viewing eliciting another round of cheers. It wasn’t just about the home run itself; it was about what it represented: the embodiment of the Big Sexy spirit. It was about a player who, despite his unconventional appearance and unorthodox style, had captured the hearts of an entire fanbase.
Memorable Moments Beyond the Homer
Beyond the home run, Colon’s time at Citi Field was filled with other memorable, if less dramatic, moments. His at-bats, even when they ended in strikeouts, were always entertaining. His awkward swings, his helmet constantly threatening to fall off, and his sheer determination to make contact made him a fan favorite. He approached each plate appearance with a childlike enthusiasm that was infectious.
The Fielding Adventures
Then there were the fielding adventures, or perhaps more accurately, misadventures. Colon wasn’t exactly known for his grace or agility on the field, but he always gave it his all, often with hilarious results. The attempted behind-the-back flip, though not always successful, became a signature move, a testament to his willingness to try the unexpected, even if it meant risking embarrassment. These moments, while not always statistically significant, added to his overall charm and endeared him even further to the Citi Field faithful.
Running the Bases (or Not)
And of course, there was the running. Or rather, the lack thereof. Colon’s lumbering sprints around the bases were a sight to behold, a masterclass in energy conservation. He may not have been the fastest player in the league, but he always managed to get where he needed to go, eventually. These moments, combined with his playful demeanor and his genuine love for the game, made him a truly unique and unforgettable figure at Citi Field.
Fan Perspective
Speaking to fans who witnessed Colon play at Citi Field reveals a common thread: affection and appreciation. Many recall bringing signs to the games specifically to support him, inspired by his unorthodox playstyle and infectious enthusiasm. “He wasn’t the flashiest player,” says one long-time Mets fan, “but he was always fun to watch. You knew something interesting was going to happen when he was on the field.” Another fan remembers, “It didn’t matter if he won or lost, he always had a smile on his face. He made you feel good about being a baseball fan.”
The Citi Field Crowd Connection
Colon’s connection with the Citi Field crowd was palpable. They embraced his quirks, celebrated his successes, and forgave his failures. They recognized that he was more than just a player; he was an entertainer, a character, a breath of fresh air in a sport that can sometimes take itself too seriously. He resonated with the everyday fan, a regular guy who just happened to be playing professional baseball.
Legacy
Bartolo Colon’s time at Citi Field contributed significantly to his overall legacy as one of baseball’s most beloved cult heroes. He showed that you don’t have to be a physical specimen or a perfectly polished athlete to connect with fans. You just have to be yourself, play hard, and have fun. He brought joy to the game, and he reminded everyone that baseball is, at its core, a form of entertainment. His presence lifted not only the team but the entire atmosphere of Citi Field, making it a more enjoyable place to watch a ballgame.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bartolo Colon’s impact on baseball extends far beyond statistics and accolades. He was a unique and unforgettable player who brought joy and entertainment to millions. His time at Citi Field, highlighted by that improbable home run and countless other memorable moments, cemented his place in the hearts of Mets fans. He was a reminder that baseball is more than just a game; it’s a source of entertainment, a connection to the past, and a celebration of the human spirit. Bartolo Colon, Big Sexy, will forever be remembered as one of the most beloved and entertaining players to ever grace the diamond, and Citi Field will forever be remembered as the place where he created some of his most magical moments. His Citi Field story is a testament to the enduring power of a player who simply loved to play the game, and in doing so, reminded us all why we love to watch. The legend of Bartolo Colon and his Citi Field connection continues to grow, ensuring that his impact on the stadium and its fans will be felt for years to come.
