Pelfrey’s Philosophy On Winning In Citi Field

An article by Joe D    2 Comments

Mike Pelfrey will usher in a new era at Citi Field tonight as the Mets officially annoint their new ballpark.

Pelfrey spoke to MLB Network about how he plans to adjust his pitching style for his new homefield surroundings.

“There’s a 415 written out there on the wall,” Pelfrey said, referring to the fence in right-center field. “I might as well just throw the ball down the middle and let them hit it. They’re going to have to hit it twice to get it out of there.”

“It’s going to be a crazy atmosphere with the fans,” Pelfrey said. “I’m going to go into it like it’s going to be another start, but the reality of it is it’s the opening of Citi Field. It’s going to be an awesome time.”

The fans will be wild tomorrow night, flush with enthusiasm ofr their new park and a new chapter

Awesome, perhaps, in the traditional sense: awe-inspiring. The Mets have seen Citi Field before, but never like this — with a fan base cheering for a game that counts, where the home-field advantages are real and the implications are, too. The things the Mets learned last weekend, they can now put to use.

Needless to say, Pelfrey is rather excited to help christen his new home.

“I’ve never been part of the playoffs, but I’d imagine it’s going to be like a playoff atmosphere with all the fans and everything and all of the excitement,” Pelfrey said. “We’ll see. I think I’ll pretty much be able to handle my emotions and stuff like that, and just make it another game.”