Jacob deGrom Cheered at Citi Field, Receives Run Support

Jacob deGrom’s return to Citi Field wasn’t just another baseball game. It felt like a genuine homecoming for one of the greatest pitchers of this era.

He spent nine unforgettable seasons with the New York Mets. The crowd greeted him with a roaring ovation before he led the Texas Rangers to an 8-3 win.

The night buzzed with nostalgia. Even at 37, deGrom showed he’s still one of the game’s most effective aces.

Jacob deGrom’s Triumphant Return to Citi Field

The Citi Field fans erupted before the first pitch, showering their former ace with a video tribute and plenty of noise. Already up by six runs, deGrom took the mound but ran into trouble in the third, giving up three runs.

After that shaky inning, though, he locked in. From then on, he didn’t allow another baserunner.

A Masterclass After a Rocky Start

DeGrom retired his final 15 batters in a row. That’s the kind of command and velocity that made him a two-time Cy Young winner.

He pitched seven innings, allowed just three runs, and helped the Rangers secure the win. His fastball averaged 98 mph and touched 99.6 mph, which is pretty wild at his age.

He also racked up a career-high 14 outfield putouts. That’s not something you see every day, even from a pitcher like deGrom.

Season Stats That Tell the Story

Now, late in his career, deGrom holds a 12-7 record with a sharp 2.82 ERA this season. He earned his fifth All-Star selection—and his first since 2021.

His 2024 fastball velocity ranks second in MLB, just behind rookie Paul Skenes. That’s impressive for anyone, let alone a veteran with his injury history.

Historic Numbers at Citi Field

DeGrom’s stats at Citi Field are just absurd. His career ERA there sits at 2.14, the second-lowest in any stadium since 1920 (minimum 500 innings).

Only Sandy Koufax at Dodger Stadium has a better mark. You don’t get numbers like that by accident.

Praise from Former Teammates and Management

After the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said deGrom was the rare kind of player fans paid just to watch. Brandon Nimmo, his former teammate, talked about deGrom’s competitive fire and commitment to being the best.

A Family Affair

DeGrom’s family was there, just like they were when he debuted in 2014. Their presence made the night feel even more meaningful.

When asked about having his number retired by the Mets, deGrom said it’d be a tremendous honor. He didn’t seem to dwell on it, but you could tell it meant something.

The Road Back from Injury

Injuries slowed deGrom down during his last Mets seasons. He opted out after 2022 and signed a five-year, $185 million deal with the Texas Rangers.

Tommy John surgery cut his 2023 season short. This year, though, he looks healthy and back in top form.

Building a Hall of Fame Resume

DeGrom owns a career ERA of 2.55 and a WHIP of 0.99—the best since 1920 for pitchers with at least 1,000 innings. Those numbers put him in rare company.

If he keeps this up into his 40s, his Hall of Fame case will be hard to argue against. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to see that?

Key Takeaways from DeGrom’s Return

The night felt like a celebration of excellence and resilience. There’s something special about the bond between a player and his old fans, isn’t there?

• DeGrom got an emotional reception and a heartfelt video tribute at Citi Field.
• He pitched seven dominant innings, even after a shaky third.
• He racked up a career-best 14 outfield putouts and flashed elite fastball velocity.
• His Citi Field ERA now ranks second only to Sandy Koufax. That’s wild.
• Coming back from Tommy John surgery, he inspired a whole stadium.

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