Despite my poking at the Mets all day, I do like being able to circulate stories like this one (although I wish the initial circumstance were different)…good job by the team, and speedy recovery to Sgt. Tavera
Terry Collins and the entire team joined Sergeant Joel Tavera, who is celebrating his 24thbirthday today, in front of the mound for today’s ceremonial first pitch.
Sergeant Tavera of the United States Army was serving in Iraq in March of 2008 when his Humvee was hit by five rockets. He suffered burns to 60 percent of his body.
A native of Queens (Flushing) and life-long Mets fan, Sergeant Tavera received a Purple Heart and Bronze star for his heroic actions. He is continuing his rehab in the Tampa, FL area where he and his family will be recipients of the “Building Homes for Heroes” house. The players talked with Sergeant Tavera and signed his jersey, including his favorite players Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Francisco Rodriguez and David Wright.
Pic via @newyorkmets
I was there for that, and I can say that I’ve never seen that before. Players stretching and running in left field came over to join the group. And if I remember correctly, he got that first pitch over.