The long wait is over and an albatross around the organization was lifted on the June 1st, 2012 as Lefty Johan Santana, a 2 time AL CY Young winner, threw the first No hitter in the 51 year History of the New York Mets. The southpaw used 134 pitches to dominate the defending World Series Champion and top offensive team in the National League, the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-0 Friday night at Citi Field. The historic night is a flag ship achievement for the pitching rich Mets, who produced amazing talents like Tom Seaver, Nolan Ryan, Jerry Koosman, Jon Matlack and Dwight Gooden, yet could not get 27 outs without giving up a hit.
Two plays broke Santana’s way to help him get the No, No. Ex Met Outfielder Carlos Beltran hit a ball down the 3rd base line in the 6th that was called foul but was clearly fair. The all star then grounded out on the next pitch. Queens Native and Mets OF-INF Mike Baxter made the defensive play of the season when he caught Cardinals C Yadier Molina’s drive to left field , crashing into the wall to preserve the no hitter in the 7th. Baxter was hurt and left the game but appeared to not be seriously injured in a post game chat with reporters.
Mets Manager Terry Collins was put in a tough spot throughtout the night. Pre game, he talked about Santana’s pitch limit being at 110-115 max. He realized what this meant to both Johan and the organization but was clearly shaken up talking about his ace after the historic night. “Certainly I wanted it for him, wanted it for our organization and all of the people who were here tonight,” Collins said. “But you just don’t jeopardize the whole organization, a season, for one inning. So in five days we’ll see how it is.”
Cannot say enough about Santana, who many feared he would never pitch again in the majors after undergoing shoulder surgery in September 2010. He is an all time great and tremendous leader for this young team, could not happen to a better guy. His locker room speech to his teammates post game said it all, ” Tonight we all made history. That’s all that matters. Thanks to you guys, because you guys make it happen. I was just doing my job, and having fun.”