New York Mets

New York Mets 24-year old Steven Matz is ready to take the ball from Terry Collins and assume the mound on the biggest stage of his life.

New York Mets (1-2)
Kansas City Royals (2-1)
World Series, Game 4 (KC leads 2-1)
Citi Field, Flushing, NY

By Robby Sabo

We’ve all been there as a young kid, leaving your parents house en route to the gym or the field, or the rink to play – perhaps even participate in a big time (to you) sporting event.

Growing up, nothing was bigger than playing for the district playoffs as the point guard for school, or under the lights on Friday night as the strong safety funneling the opposing running back inside from the edge.

It was life for many of us growing up.

For Steven Matz, this is still life.

The only difference – perhaps a major one – for the 24-year old East Setauket kid is that Citi Field will be end-all destination on his journey from his parents house on Halloween night.

Yes, that’s right, the kid will actually head to Citi Field from his parents house, via Adam Rubin of ESPN New York:

“We’re on off hours, so there’s not much traffic,” Matz said. “It’s not too terrible. It’s been pretty awesome to be able to do that.”

“My favorite player was always changing,” Matz said. “I loved Johan [Santana]. I loved Mike Piazza. I remember Endy Chavez making that catch in 2006. And then the World Series, obviously, in 2000 — the Subway Series was a lot of fun to watch.”

The local kid who dreamed about these moments as a young Mets fan is about to take the world’s center-stage for his childhood team in Game 4 of the World Series.

The Mets are coming off an impressive 9-3 slapping of the Kansas City Royals in Game 3, on Friday night. The game featured the captain, David Wright, coming to live by driving in four runs.

The impressive Game 3 will only stand the test of time in the hearts of Mets fans everywhere if the young Matz can deliver in Game 4.

Pressure? Who says this kid feels any pressure?

Here’s a photo obtained by the Daily Stache at a local deli, just hours before the biggest baseball appearance in his life:

Why should the kid be nervous? He’s only about to face the American League champs who’ve already knocked around Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom in the series. And he’s only being put up against Chris Young, the guy who literally shut down the Mets in extra-innings of Game 1.

Who says nerves are a factor here?

Both managers will throw out the same lineup as they did in Game 3. No Kendrys Morales for Kansas City, and Michael Conforto will get the call for Terry Collins:

For the first time all series, in Game 3, the Royals looked human at the plate. Although Noah Syndergaard did surrender three runs early, he recovered nicely shortly thereafter. New York’s lineup finally picked the pace up and the 2015 World Series finally has become, well, a series.

Whether or not Thor’s unapologetic up-and-in first pitch to Alcides Escobar will carry over to Halloween night remains to be seen.

First pitch of Game 4 of the 2015 World Series will come your way at 8:07 PM ET on Fox.

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com