R.A. Dickey Returns to Citi Field for Mets Alumni Classic
R.A. Dickey, the former New York Mets knuckleballer and Cy Young Award winner, is set to return to Citi Field this Saturday for the Alumni Classic. Fans will have the opportunity to see him and other Mets alumni take the field in a nostalgic matchup.
Dickey Reflects on His Unlikely Mets Career
Prior to the Alumni Classic, Dickey shared his thoughts on his memorable tenure with the Mets (2010-2012) in an interview with MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. His journey to Major League success was far from typical, especially considering the discovery that he was missing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow after being drafted by the Texas Rangers.
After years of perseverance, Dickey perfected his signature knuckleball. The Mets signed him as a Minor League free agent before the 2010 season, leading to a remarkable transformation in his performance.
The Cy Young Season and Subsequent Trade
The 2012 season cemented Dickey's place in Mets history. He achieved a 20-6 record with a 2.73 ERA in 34 games (33 starts), ultimately earning the National League Cy Young Award. During that season, he also threw consecutive one-hitters, setting a franchise record with 32.2 consecutive scoreless innings.
"That two-and-a-half to three months, man, with the scoreless innings stuff, the back-to-back one-hitter stuff, all of that felt like a whirlwind."
However, following his historic season, Dickey was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for prospects including Noah Syndergaard and Travis d’Arnaud. He continued his career with the Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves before retiring in 2018.
Looking Back with Reflection
Dickey expressed a sense of wistfulness, wishing he had taken more time to savor his time with the Mets. "I look back and I think, 'God, that happened so fast. I wish I would have enjoyed it more,'" he said. He acknowledged the intense focus required to maintain his performance, stating, "Those were the times in my life where I felt most in the zone, so to speak. And I didn’t want to get out of that."
Alumni Classic Appearance
At the Alumni Classic, Dickey hopes to showcase his signature pitch once again, providing fans with a chance to relive the magic of his unforgettable Mets tenure. He is looking forward to throwing at least a few knuckleballs.
