New York Mets right hander Bartolo Colon will make his fourth all star team at the ripe young age of 43, replacing Madison Bumgarner.
“I love it when you call me ‘Big Sexy.'”Throw your glove in the air, because you are a true player, Bartolo. The 43 year old Colon has pitched to a 3.28 ERA, going 7-4. He’ll replace San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner, who will miss the game due to pitching a few days before the game.
This is Bartolo’s fourth all star game with his fourth different club (Indians, Angels, Athletics, Mets). He’s the oldest all star since Mariano Rivera played in the mid summer classic in 2013. He’ll be the fourth member of the New York Mets to make the team, the most players they’ve sent since 2009.
When the season started, most people expected Colon to be shifted into a bullpen role when Zack Wheeler was healthy. Now, he looks to be a main stay in the rotation until season’s end. Not bad for a 43 year old.
There’s a chance this could be Colon’s last season–or at least his last in New York. Whether as an innings eating starter, bullpen asset, or provider of laughs with his at bats, it’s nice to Terry Collins reward the veteran with a place on the team.
Colon will return to a place where he made a memory that will last a lifetime. That of course, is San Diego, where he launched his first career homerun off Padres’ righty James Shields.
Imagine Colon getting an at bat in the all star game? Well, when asked about getting a chance to hit, Colon through an interpreter stated, “No, no. I pray to God it doesn’t happen,” as noted by ESPN’s Adam Rubin.
Tell us how you really feel, Bart.
Whether he bats or not one thing is certain; he’s earned his place.
