After 8,019 regular season games spanning over 50 years, Johan Santana tossed the Mets’ first no-hitter. An 8-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on this date in 2012 in front of a scant crowd of 27,069 in Flushing.
World Series MVP David Freese came to the plate with two outs and the count ran to 3-2 before Santana struck him out to end the game and write himself into the history books.
While battling several unfortunate injuries, Johan Santana appeared in 109 games during his Mets tenure, going 46-34 with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.204 WHIP.
Always a class act from day one, Johan released the following statement after the Mets declined his option and he became a free agent last season.
“I want to thank the Mets organization, my teammates and of course give a big thank you to the Mets fans, who have been behind me from day one and stood by me through all the good and bad.”
“I am not sure what the future holds, as this is all new to me, but I have every intention of pitching in 2014 and beyond and I am certainly keeping all my options open. BELIEVE IT.”
Thanks for the memories, Johan.
