The Rick Porcello deal is official.
We all knew that the right-handed pitcher hails from New Jersey, but what we all did not know was that he grew up as a Mets fan.
He stated all of this, and more, on a conference call Monday afternoon, where he stated:
“This is a big deal for me. I grew up a lifelong Mets fan as a kid. To get the opportunity to play for the organization that I cheered on for so many years is a huge honor.”
Porcello went on to say that when free agency started, he had hoped that the Mets would reach out to him. The Mets did make his hopes a reality, both when they signed him but even before that, as they were one of the first to call him when teams were allowed to begin contacting players.
It is great to hear that the Mets will have someone on their team who grew up loving this team… and more importantly, wanting them to win. Porcello can now help take matters into his own hands, as many of us fans grew up (and still continue) wanting to do. He stated that the 2000 team was his favorite Mets team. Let’s hope Porcello challenges that energy, but brings hope the championship this time.
There is lots of potential to be reached when you are a former Cy Young winner and are playing for your favorite childhood team.
