Jesse Winker Loves Playing at Citi Field
Jesse Winker simply could not have chosen a better time for his first home run as a New York Met.
The Mets needed the rubber game against the Orioles. Heading into a daunting 10-game road trip against multiple teams in front of them in the Wild Card standings, a two-of-three series at home would be massive for the spirits.
Unfortunately, it looked as if those spirits were to be dashed, as some interesting umpire-induced baseball resulted in a tie-game heading into the bottom of the ninth.
Not to fear, however, as the Mets favorite pitcher to hit against, former Philly Seranthony Domínguez (who, by the way, had a career 0.83 ERA against the Mets coming into this series) entered the game to attempt to hold them at bay.
However, that bay was not held, as Winker jumped on a 3-2 fastball and smacked it 417 feet into the stands in left-center field, sending the Mets dugout into a frenzy. Winker didn’t even make it to first base before slamming his helmet into the ground in excitement, stripping off his elbow guard, and beginning the slow trot around the bases.
The 31-year-old outfielder lept for the moon and landed smack on home plate (take notes, Francisco Alvarez), as his fellow orange and blue teammates jumped for joy besides him, celebrating the win.
What a celebration from Jesse Winker pic.twitter.com/Olh49fezfF
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“That was crazy. I blacked out, 100%. I still can’t believe that. That’s unreal,” Winker said, adding in a slice of some friendly profanity before heading into the clubhouse to continue the celebration.
Winker, a trade-deadline addition who spent the first half of the year playing in the nation’s capital, has been a much-needed left-handed spark in the New York lineup.
With a fantastic eye at the plate, Winker’s walk and chase percentages sit in the top five percent of the league, with his whiff percentage not far behind. Those numbers help contribute to an overall batting run value in the 83rd percentile league-wide.
Jesse Winker. Photo by Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
His power numbers have been lacking in his Mets tenure, which is why his ninth-inning home run is such a positive sign. His first bomb as a member of the Mets came almost a full month after his trade was complete. As a National in the first half of the year, the left-hander smacked 11 home runs.
The best part of this? The pouring of love from Mets fans all over social media, hailing Winker, who previously had a chippy relationship with the fanbase before his time here.
However, the outfielder had great things to say about his experience thus far.
“I have a ton of respect for the Mets fans, I’ve had it since 2019. It’s cool having their support, and we’re going to need them. It’s a blessing to be here.”
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