Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It has been quite the journey over the past few weeks for Khalil Lee. This all culminating in a real moment of affirmation on Saturday night. After being demoted to Single-A, Lee got hot at just the right time after returning to the Triple-A level. As a result, he earned a call-up to the majors following injuries to Pete Alonso and Starling Marte.

If that wasn’t enough, the outfielder capped off a wild sequence of events by blasting his first career major league home run in the Mets’ 11-6 loss to the Angles on Saturday.

Lee showed tremendous power as he absolutely crushed a four-seam fastball, which travelled 411 feet over the deep left-center field wall. Having experienced all of the ups and downs of a young ballplayer in a short period of time, few can blame Lee for wanting to stay in the moment and take things as they come.

“I’ve been telling everybody, I’m riding the wave,” Lee said. “Every chance I get to go out and play the game, I want to play hard. Every opportunity I have, I don’t take it lightly.”

Given the crushing lows Lee has experienced this year, that isn’t a bad mentality to have. After a rough month in Triple-A with Syracuse, the 23-year-old was demoted to High-A St. Lucie. Rather than admit defeat, he instead worked on his swing and other mechanics.

It paid off.

Upon returning to Syracuse, Lee proceeded to rake at the plate and he had a slash line of .381/.480/.857. He totaled six doubles, four home runs, and three stolen bases in 12 games. That’s how you make a comeback.

Lee did have 17 strikeouts to just five walks in 56 plate appearances but there were obvious improvements in his approach at the plate. Timing is key in sports and Lee’s resurgence coincided with both Alonso and Marte going down hurt for the Mets. This ultimately led to a major league call-up for the lefty.

Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

And, after going 1-for-18 (.056) with 13 strikeouts in 11 games with the Mets last year, Lee made a better impression by blasting a three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning. It didn’t matter in the overall context of the game, but it was a special moment for a player who has had to really work for his chance.

With Marte expected back in the lineup on Sunday, Lee’s stay in the majors may be a short one. Which is why he’s determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.

“I go out there and play hard,” Lee said. “That’s what I’ve been doing. Everywhere the team sends me I’ll go and play hard and try and play my game.”

Take note, aspiring ball players. Refusing to quit, working on your craft and staying in the moment can carry you a long way. Just ask Lee after the last few weeks.