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Former Mets RHP Bartolo Colon before an April 4, 2025 game against teh Toronto Blue Jays.
The New York Mets currently feast on dollar-store food while carrying a five-star payroll. Nothing goes right, currently. Despite a winning road trip against the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Amazins need a spark, albeit a totally ridiculous one that will never happen in reality.
Yet, the mere notion delighted fans for a few hours on social media. Fan favorite former Mets right-handed pitcher Bartolo Colon took to social media to discuss the tenth anniversary of his first, last, and only major league home run. At the same time, he jokingly offered his hitting services to the team.
“I might have more in the tank.”
Exactly ten years ago today, Colon deposited a 2-run home run into the left-field seats against San Diego Padres starter James Shields. SportsCenter ran the highlight ad nauseam, and Mets fans celebrated the hefty hurler’s feat. Ten years ago, MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo highlighted the scene.
GettyFormer New York Mets RHP Bartolo Colob hits a home run in a May 7, 2016 game against the San Diego Padres/
“The reactions in the visiting dugout said it all. Jacob deGrom broke into the largest of grins. Neil Walker raced up the steps. Eventually, they all did, giving Colon the silent treatment for a moment before transforming the dugout into their personal mosh pit.
There is nothing, it turns out, that Bartolo Colon can’t do.”
10 years ago today, @BColon40 left the yard 👏 pic.twitter.com/sh9oGoWuvU
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 7, 2026
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Colon’s comment on X spurred diverse responses.
“Oh, the things we’ve lost in the game. I used to love watching pitchers (try to) hit.”
The designated hitter is now universal. Meaning, both the American and National Leagues implement the policy. As a result, pitchers do not touch the bats whatsoever. As a result, hits have increased, but the modern game now revolves around home runs. There is no place for pitchers hitting in the modern game. Colon provided levity and humor for a Mets team that needs an infusion of fun.
Oh the things we’ve lost in the game. I used to love watching pitchers (try to) hit.
— Ferae (@FeraeFuror) May 7, 2026
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Casual fans’ review Colon was a jolly, larger-than-life player who was more class clown than great pitcher. However, the stats tell a far different story. First, he made the All-Star team with four different franchises. In 1998, he earned the call as a Cleveland Indians starter.
Next, in 2005, I was a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. That season, he won 21 games. Eight years later, as a 40-year-old, he gained an invite while pitching for the Oakland Athletics. Finally, the year he slugged that home run, he became an All-Star as a member of the New York Mets.
Colon finished his 21-year career with a record of 247-188, an ERA of 4.12, and a Cy Young trophy to his credit. His 3.49 earned run average in the playoffs solidified his status as an underrated arm.
GettyFormer Mets RHP Bartolo Colon pitches during an October 1, 2016 game.
Despite stops with 11 teams, Colon signed a one-day contract to finish as a member of the Mets. He spoke about what his career means to him and why the team owns his heart.
“I’m grateful for the Cleveland organization because they were the ones that gave me that opportunity and that start of my career,” Colon said through interpreter Alan Suriel. “If it were up to my parents and the rest of my family, they probably would’ve wanted me to retire there in Cleveland.
“I also had good years in Anaheim. Once I was done there, this was the fan base that accepted me the most and that supported me the most. That’s why I felt really comfortable here.”
In a season of dreadful hitting, the Colonels gave the fanbase something to smile about as they continue to find a way through.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026 He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor's in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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