Casey Delgado had been pitching in the Frontier League for the Traverse City Beach Bums where he started two games this year going 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA before the Mets signed him on May 28th. Delgado was thrown into immediate action pitching the night he was assigned to the Savannah Sand Gnats going 4 scoreless innings and getting the win on a walk-off HR by Jon Leroux. Delgado allowed just one hit, three walks, and struck out seven in his Sand Gnats debut. Since his debut Casey has started two games winning them both going 13 innings giving up five earned runs on twelve hits and zero walks while striking out nine. This was the 24-year old’s 3rd year straight year pitching for the Bums starting in 34 of his 36 appearances going 10-13 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.245 WHIP in his three years.
The Mets have numerous success stories this year when it comes to players from the independent leagues including 2015 All-Stars Mike Hepple and Jonathan Johnson. Kyle Regnault, Josh Smoker, and Jairo Perez have all had different levels of success this year with Perez reaching AAA.
I talked to Casey on May 30th right after his Savannah debut.
Michael: First off thank you from Mets Merized Online and congrats are being part of the Mets organization. Congrats on getting your 1st win in your debut as well! How and when did the Mets approach you about becoming part of the organization?
Casey: Thank you! I was in the middle of playing catch and my manager walked on to the field with my cell phone in his hand and asked if it was my phone. So I said yes. He said you might want to keep it on you because the mets are about to call you and sign you. Thirty seconds later I got the call and the rest is history.
Michael: Wow that is pretty cool, did you have any idea that the Mets had been scouting/interested in you?
Casey: No it was completely out of nowhere.
Michael: Were you surprised to get into the game and pitching 4 innings your first game with the team?
Casey: The coaches told me I was going to pitch so I had time to prepare myself. But yes I was very surprised to even pitch at all the first game.
Michael: Now you have pitched mainly as a SP in the Frontier League, have the Mets given you any indication that is what they see you as long term?
Casey: They mentioned it. I’m just happy for the opportunity. I don’t care what role I’m in.
Michael: Before yesterday was there anyone like old teammates/opponents you knew in the Mets organization?
Casey: Jonathan Johnson played in the frontier league last year so I remembered him. He’s the only one I can think of.
Michael: Can you give me a run through of your pitch arsenal so we can get an idea of what type of pitcher you are?
Casey: 4-Seam fastball, sinker, circle change-up, 12-6 curveball
Michael: Wow, you obviously like to mix it up quite a bit, what would say is your go to out pitch?
Casey: Yes I do. Does a magician reveal the secrets behind his magic tricks?
Michael: Lol, I think you and Michael Cuddyer need to meet. What do you do in the off-season to get ready for the upcoming year?
Casey: I’m not apposed to that. I’m a baseball instructor and a personal trainer so I throw batting practice to the kids and train with them. Also I throw with some other minor leaguers that live close.
Michael: What is playing in the Frontier League like?
Casey: Mostly Midwest states. The competition is really good. It’s very comparable to this league (South Atlantic League). The furthest bus trip was 11 hours. I liked it. I was in a great place on a good team with great coaches and owners that care too.
Michael: What you think you need to improve on to take your game to the next level?
Casey: Grow 6 inches and put on 30 pounds. I just keep learning the game and improve on playing a game better. I can’t really narrow it down to one thing.
Michael: Hardest you ever hit on a gun? Do you even pay attention to how hard you are throwing, considering how important it is perceived to be today.
Casey: That’s always hung over my head. Throwing harder has always been a goal of mine. I’ve throw up to 96 before but that was one game with adrenaline out of this world. Other than that I’ve hit 94 occasionally.
Michael: Thursday’s game was a great one to start your Mets career getting your first win on a walk-off, how did you celebrate?
Casey: It’s was pretty cool. Couldn’t have written that one up any better. Well the celebrating took care of itself, I got red powerade poured on Jon and I right after the game. After that I was just soaking it in. Trying to grasp that fact that I just pitched my first game and won.
Michael: Favorite baseball player/team growing up?
Casey: Favorite teams were the Marlins and the Red Sox. I just admired pitchers that went about the game the right way. Don’t really have single favorites.
Michael: Thanks for answering all my questions and good luck in the rest of the season!
Casey: No problem, thank you.
You can follow Casey on twitter at @TheRealCaseyD21
