Baseball pitcher Matt Harvey, who played for multiple MLB teams but had his greatest years with the New York Mets, announced his retirement on Friday.
He has a 50-66 record, a 4.42 ERA, with 867 strikeouts going into the last inning.
However, he was a true superstar in Queens from 2012 to 2015 and appeared to be a perpetual All-Star.
Harvey helped the Mets go to the World Series while also being named an All-Star in 2013 and the National League’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.
But after that year, everything started to go wrong.
His fastball velocity was stolen due to thoracic outlet syndrome, and he became a disaster in 2016.
His career was destroyed by suspensions for drug usage, subpar performances, and other issues.
However, Mets supporters would rather recall the pitcher who, from 2012 through 2015, was a true workhorse.
Harvey also expressed some affection for Mets supporters when he announced his retirement.
On Instagram, Matt Harvey declared his retirement from baseball: To the supporters, especially the NY Mets supporters: You made my dream come true. I will always carry you in my heart. Baseball, farewell. Thank you as well. (via IG: mattharvey33), Mets SNY tweeted.
Matt Harvey has announced his retirement from baseball on Instagram:
“To the fans, most importantly the NY Mets fans: You made a dream come true for me. You are forever embedded in my heart. Goodbye, Baseball. And thank you.”
(via IG/mattharvey33) pic.twitter.com/RRvSVQNcyo
SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 5, 2023
Indeed, during the early half of the 2010s, he experienced a love affair with Mets fans.
It’s unfortunate that he had consecutively bad years in 2016 and 2017, and that he left the company in 2018.
With the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, or Baltimore Orioles, he wasn’t much better, but his arm just wasn’t the same.
He did, however, have a pleasant experience to cap off his playing career: this year, he pitched for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Nobody in baseball experienced the highs and lows like Harvey did.
He is currently leaving baseball to begin his post-baseball life.