It’s been a long time coming for Mets reliever Tommy Hunter, who waited 13 long years for his first major-league hit. Hunter entered Tuesday’s game in Atlanta with just four lifetime plate appearances, no surprise given that bullpen arms are rarely asked to hit. The 34-year-old has also spent much of his career in the American League including stints with Texas, Baltimore, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. But when the situation presented itself against Braves starter Tucker Davidson, the veteran right-hander knew just what to do, roping a hard-hit single to left with one out and nobody on in the third inning.
Hunter, who came on in relief of opener Miguel Castro (in lieu of a traditional starter, the Mets instead staged a “bullpen” game), couldn’t contain his excitement, beaming when asked about the milestone in his post-game press conference.
“I jumped on first like a Little Leaguer,” said Hunter, describing the moment as “the coolest thing I’ve ever done in the big leagues.” “I got a knock in the show!”
Prior to Tuesday’s game, Hunter hadn’t been in the batter’s box since August 6, 2018, when the 6’4” hurler—then a member of the Philadelphia Phillies—popped out to the catcher in his lone at-bat against Arizona.
“My wife sent me a video. My son was watching it,” said Hunter, who had the Mets dugout in hysterics after his liner to left plopped in front of Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna for a base hit. “That’s definitely a highlight for me.”
Hunter, who raised his lifetime average to an even .200 with Tuesday’s knock, was also credited with his first major-league run in the winning effort (New York held on for a 4-3 victory), scoring later in the frame on Jonathan Villar’s homer to deep center. He was similarly successful on the mound, fanning four of the seven Braves he faced without yielding a hit.
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