After a 3-3 road trip to begin the season, the Mets are gearing up for their home opener today against the Phillies.
Mets rookie sensation, Jacob deGrom, will get the start, and he is looking to build off of last year’s extraordinary success.
“I think it should be something he should remember for a long time,” Collins said about deGrom. “To be the Opening Day guy is really an honor.”
“When we made a decision that Matt was not going to be the starting guy, we certainly targeted Jake deGrom to be the guy who was going to start at home. I think it’s great for him. It’s a tip of the hat to what he accomplished and how he is. It will be fun to watch.”
“I’m definitely excited,” said deGrom, who allowed two runs in six innings and was charged with the loss on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals.
“I’ve been looking forward to it. I haven’t put too much thought into it. I’m just going to take it like every other game and go out there and try to put us in a position to win. I was really honored whenever they told me that I was going to have that game.” (Adam Rubin).
DeGrom was named the 2014 NL Rookie of the Year this past offseason after an impressive and dominant campaign that saw him post a 2.89 ERA with 144 strikeouts in 140 innings pitched.
Some are skeptical about whether deGrom can duplicate his results from last year, but I don’t believe it was a fluke. In fact, he may only be scratching the surface of his potential as he has good command and the skills to overpower the opposition. He knows what he’s doing out there.
The young righty will be pitching in front of an energetic sellout crowd today at Citi Field, and he will be facing a significantly weakened Phillies’ lineup.
It’s going to be a great day for baseball, and hopefully a successful one for deGrom and the Mets.
Today at Citi Field:
FIRST PITCH: Mets will honor the families of fallen NYPD heroes Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were killed in the line of duty on Dec. 20 in Brooklyn. Detective Liu’s widow, Pei Xia Chen, and Ramos’ sons Jaden and Justin will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
NATIONAL ANTHEM: NYPD Officer Lauren Leggio
PREGAME: Members of the NYPD will participate in pregame ceremonies including singing the national anthem and “God Bless America.” More than 150 NYPD officers will hold a giant American flag measuring 150 feet by 300 feet that will span the outfield grass. The NYPD has arranged for a special helicopter flyover of Citi Field.
VETERAN OF THE GAME: Former Mets Edgardo Alfonzo, John Franco, Rusty Staub and Mookie Wilson will present a game flag to the Veteran of the Game.
GOD BLESS AMERICA: NYPD Officer Makiah Brown
BE THERE EARLY: In anticipation of a standing-room-only crowd and enhanced security procedures, Mets encourage fans to take mass transit and arrive early. Gates open at 10:40 a.m. and pregame ceremony starts at 12:30 PM.
