Despite going 0-for-4 in his major league debut, Brandon Nimmo says he got over his jitters quickly and enjoyed the experience.
“Actually, after the first pitch in my first at-bat, it was OK,” said Nimmo. “It’s the same game. It’s a big game but same game in just a different environment.” (Fred Kerber, NY Post)
While Nimmo hoped to have performed better, he was just happy to be in the majors after his long journey to the big leagues.
“I wish it would have ended up different. Still for me, first MLB game, to be able to get out there and look around and enjoy being in a triple-deck stadium and just playing against the Braves and for the Mets it was a very surreal feeling.”
Selected out of high school by the Mets in the first round of 2011 draft, Nimmo was known for his athleticism and upside. In his six years in the Mets system, he’s made tremendous strides and given the franchise hope that he finally realized his potential.
In 287 plate appearances for Triple-A Las Vegas this season, Nimmo batted .328 with five home runs and 37 RBI. He also had 16 doubles, 33 walks and posted a .917 OPS.
Before the game, Collins told Nimmo to stay within himself and keep doing what made him successful in the minors.
“Any young player that’s ever come to the big leagues, the first thing that I always tell them is what got you here will keep you here,” Collins said.
The key for Nimmo’s game will his ability to get on base as he has a career .385 OBP in the minors. If he can transfer some of that success to the major league level, there’s no doubt that he’ll be an important piece on this team going forward.
“He’s going to be fine. His last at-bat was pretty good,” Collins said.”That guy [Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino] is real, real good, and I thought Brandon had a nice at-bat. I’m sure the first-game jitters were huge for him, but we’ve got to get him calmed down because he’s going to a bigger series in 24 hours.”
Hopefully, Nimmo can breakout and collect his first ever hit during this pivotal series against the Washington Nationals starting tonight.
