First Time for Everything

Image credit to mashable.com

For the first time in 8,020 games played by the Mets, they finally did it. Johan Santana threw the first no-hitter in Mets history. It was against the St. Louis Cardinals, no less, who won the World Series last season.


Santana was just coming off of shoulder surgery, and this is only his tenth start since. His season high pitch count was 109, and career high 125. He went well past his season high and broke his career high as well. It was all worth it. Throughout his nine innings, he threw 139 pitches. This is an extremely high number for any pitcher, whether they are still recovering from a surgery or are young and healthy.

Image credit to mlb.com

But, he didn't do it all by himself. With the help of amazing outfielders, a "wrong" call by an umpire and a strong arm, Santana led the Mets to a no-hitter. The closest hit the Cardinals had was a foul ball just off the third base line. After the game, replays of the hit showed that the ball had indeed touched the third base line, meaning it would have technically been a base hit.


One of the best catches of the game came from Mike Baxter in left field. Yadier Molina hit the ball deep into left in the seventh inning. Baxter made a jumping catch and crashed into the wall, but still held on to the ball. He had to be carried off the field, as he appeared to have injured his thigh while hitting the dirt.


Mets fans were ecstatic, getting to watch this no-hitter on their own ground in Citi Field in New York. The game may have tired out Santana's arm, but if this cost him his next start, it was worth it. Santana has done what no other pitcher in the Mets franchise has ever done. He has given fans hope and the satisfaction of seeing their team do what was said to be impossible. June 1, 2012 will certainly be one of the greatest days for "No-han" Santana and the Mets.