Jose Reyes Pulled From New York Mets Game With Batting Title on the Line, Causing Controversy
Jose Reyes entered the New York Mets' final regular-season game Wednesday with chances at two honors unheard of for a Met: a National League batting title and a standing ovation as he left the field.
The 28-year-old, nine-year veteran of the big leagues left early with the possibility at one, which incidentally ruined his chances at the other.
Reyes came into the game at Citi Field batting .336, one percentage point higher than the Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun. It was also perhaps Reyes' final game as a Met, as the shortstop has had a monster year and is set to enter free agency this winter.
Reyes led off the bottom of the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds. Bunt single. Cheers.
Then boos. Boos rained from the stands at Citi Field, as the Mets and manager Terry Collins decided to pull Reyes with his batting average upped to .337.
Reaction was swift as Reyes left the field. Fans kept booing. The New York Post's Mike Vaccaro made reference to a famous Ted Williams moment on Twitter: Ted Williams just rolled over. And again. And again. And again.
Williams, of course, went 6-for-8 in a doubleheader on the final day of the 1941 regular season -- 70 years ago to the day on Wednesday -- to become the last major leaguer to hit .400 in a season. He finished with a batting average of .406.
No Met has ever won a batting title, so perhaps all the controversy will blow over should Reyes hang on following the conclusion of the regular season. Braun will have to go 3-for-4 to surpass Reyes when the Brewers play against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home Wednesday night.
Before the Mets played their final regular-season game of this year, Collins addressed Reyes' future while talking with reporters. Said the manager, I think he'll be back.
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