Credit: Herm Card
What a journey to the big leagues it was for Nate Fisher. And what a debut too.
Fisher, 26, made the most shocking pitching performance by a Mets player this season. Making his major league debut, Fisher tossed three scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, two walks, and struck out one during the Mets 10-9 win.
“I didn’t even know who this guy was when he came into the game today,” Mark Cana said. “Like, man, he did a hell of a job for us today. That was awesome, gutsy performance.”
Fisher comes from Nebraska. The Omaha native was a Cornhusker at the University of Nebraska for four seasons before declaring for the MLB draft. Fisher went undrafted and eventually signed a deal with the Seattle Mariners.
Fisher remained in the Seattle organization until 2021. Across four separate minors levels in 2021, Fisher made 21 appearances, accumulating a 2.89 ERA in 37.1 innings pitched.
With Covid-19 canceling the 2020 minor league season, Fisher decided to go into baking. Fisher was working at the First National Bank of Omaha, set on a future without baseball. He’d sign back with the Mariners in June 2021, making it to Triple-A. His dream was back.
“It’s pretty surreal right now,” Fisher said. “I’m so thankful and so blessed for the opportunity. It hasn’t even sunk in yet.”
Fisher’s first major league opportunity wasn’t easy. He warmed up in the bullpen multiple times before entering. He then pitched his first inning, retiring three batters and walking one. Then after a leadoff single to Kyle Schwarber in the sixth inning, Fisher had to sit down again for a 46-minute rain delay.
He’d face the minimum amount of batters over the next two innings.
“It’s been a crazy journey,” Fisher said. “Always believed in myself, never got down on myself and just kept believing. My family and support system have been amazing and so critical for that.”
