R.A. Dickey returns to Citi Field for Mets Alumni Classic
This Saturday, Mets fans will have the chance to relive a slice of baseball magic as R.A. Dickey, the legendary knuckleballer, returns to Citi Field for the Alumni Classic. Though it’s been several years since Dickey last donned a Mets uniform, the memories of his unforgettable Cy Young season in 2012 remain etched in the hearts of New York baseball enthusiasts.
Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey
Dickey’s rise to Major League stardom was anything but conventional. Selected in the first round of the 1996 Draft by the Texas Rangers, his career faced a significant hurdle when doctors revealed he was missing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Despite this setback, he persevered through years of uncertainty, ultimately discovering his signature pitch—the knuckleball.
The Mets took a chance on Dickey, signing him as a Minor League free agent before the 2010 season. It was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. By 2012, he emerged as a dominant force on the mound, finishing the season with a stellar 20-6 record and a 2.73 ERA across 34 appearances, 33 of which were starts. This incredible performance culminated in him winning the National League Cy Young Award, an honor that solidified his place in Mets lore.
Reflecting on that historic season, Dickey reminisced about the surreal moments that defined it. “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,” he shared. His remarkable streak included a franchise-record 32.2 consecutive scoreless innings, a feat that showcased his mastery of the knuckleball.
A Bittersweet Farewell
After that landmark year, Dickey was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in a deal that sent several notable players, including Noah Syndergaard and Travis d’Arnaud, to the Mets. While he enjoyed continued success with the Blue Jays and later with the Atlanta Braves, he often reflects on the rapid pace of his career.
“I look back and I think, ‘God, that happened so fast. I wish I would have enjoyed it more,” Dickey admitted. “But I don’t know if I would have taken the time at the time to enjoy it more, if I would have lost some of the edge.” He reminisced about how those were the moments he felt most in sync with his craft, a feeling he cherished deeply.
A Nostalgic Return
As Dickey gears up for the Alumni Classic, he looks forward to soaking in the atmosphere of Citi Field once again. He hopes to take the mound and throw at least a few knuckleballs, delighting fans who remember the magic he brought to the game.
Saturday promises to be a celebration of past glories, and for R.A. Dickey, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the fans and the city that embraced him during his remarkable journey in baseball. The memories may be many, but the thrill of the game continues to resonate as he returns to the field where it all began.
