Before the second round of the subway series got under way New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented Johan Santana the key to the city.  Santana threw his no-hitter June 1 against the Cardinals in the franchise’s 8,020th game.

He thanked the Mayor and all of his teammates.  Bloomberg said “He (Santana) is a true competitor; he came back after being out for a year, sidelined with an injury, and didn’t let it bother him. That’s the spirit of New York.” The Mayor also joked, “it doesn’t open any doors.” “It’s very fitting that the player who made the no-hitter happen was the Met that is one of the most outstanding players, I think.” Santana is a competitor indeed, back in Spring Training he didn’t even know if he would make Opening Day. 

Not only did he pitch Opening Day, he has pitched at an extremely high level, since keeping hitters on their toes with one of the best change-ups in the game. Santana the ace of the Mets underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder in September of 2010. It’s the kind of injury known to ruin pitchers’ careers. Santana would miss all of the 2011 season.

His comeback story truly is amazing!

Written by HS News Writer: Tim Horodyski