Kevin Herget grew up in northern New Jersey, a Mets fan, rooting for David Wright and Jose Reyes and Edgardo Alfonso earlier than that.
However as a three-sport athlete at Park Ridge HS, Herget spent extra time taking part in than watching.
Nonetheless, he mentioned Tuesday there was further which means to being with the Mets after being referred to as up from Triple-A Syracuse.
“I didn’t go to loads of video games, however I went to Shea [Stadium] and Citi Subject as a child,’’ the 34-year-old mentioned earlier than the Mets’ 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks at Citi Subject. “It’s fairly particular.”
For Herget, any time within the majors stands out.
Drafted by the Cardinals within the thirty ninth spherical in 2013 out of Kean College in Union, N.J., Herget has appeared in 342 minor league video games in a 12-year skilled profession.
Tuesday was his twenty fifth look within the majors.
“I’ve been up and down [to the minors] so many occasions the previous few years, you by no means know the way lengthy it’s going to final while you’re right here,’’ mentioned Herget, whose mother and father have been in attendance Tuesday.
Over the earlier three seasons, he noticed time with the Rays, Reds and Brewers,
The Mets chosen him off waivers in November and Herget was summoned from Triple-A Syracuse to take Jose Urena’s spot on Tuesday.
Herget is aware of he might not keep in Queens lengthy. The Mets have to open a roster spot Wednesday, with Brandon Waddell anticipated to pitch towards Arizona.
Herget mentioned he would take pleasure in it whereas it lasts.
“It goes again to highschool after which in faculty,” Herget mentioned. “My mantra was, ‘Play 4 extra years.’ I like the sport and wish to play so long as I can. In class, it was 4 extra years. Now, it’s simply maintain going whereas I can. It’s a small window of time, comparatively.”
On Tuesday, Herget obtained within the recreation, as he pitched the ultimate two innings and allowed a run in an 8-3 win over Arizona.
“I’ve performed all of it,’’ Herget mentioned, on his fifth group within the final 5 years. “I’ve been the additional man for a doubleheader with Milwaukee. I used to be there simply in case one thing occurred and watched the sport within the clubhouse. I’ve been optioned, [designated for assignment], all the things. I don’t thoughts doing it. I simply wish to maintain going.”
