The buzz around the Mets yesterday was largely surrounded by one name, Jeff McNeil, as the team finally called up the infielder who had been absolutely raking in the minor leagues this season.
McNeil was told he would join the club on Monday night, but missed his flight from Las Vegas and, as a result, only arrived at the ballpark three hours before the game. Mickey Callaway decided to let Phillip Evans start at third base instead, which relegated McNeil to the bench.
However, that didn’t stop the 26-year old from appearing in his first game as he came to the plate as a pinch-hitter for Evans in the eighth inning.
The left-handed hitter made his first appearance against Phil Hughes and on the first pitch hit a looping fly ball to center field that dropped in front of the center fielder, Manuel Margot, to record the first MLB hit of his career. He then proceeded to finish the game at third base.
McNeil spoke to reporters after the game and was thrilled with his first big-league appearance. He took reporters through his thoughts during the at-bat.
“It felt amazing. Just going up there and looking for a good pitch to hit and he threw me a fastball right down the middle and I put a good swing on it.”
The former-12th round pick also said that there was a weight that has been lifted now that he has gotten it out of the way early, which many rookies struggle to do because of nerves.
“You always want to get the first hit out of the way. Now, I just come back tomorrow and try to do the same thing.”
Rich Coutinho of MMO lastly asked him about the experience as a whole and how it felt to step into the batters’ box for the first time as a Met.
“It was unbelievable and it was something I always dreamed of. To get a hit, it couldn’t have ended any better and I am really happy.”
