Longtime MLB pitcher Bartolo Colón honored by New York State Senate

STATE CAPITOL — The New York State Senate honored beloved longtime Major League Baseball pitcher Bartolo Colón on Tuesday for his retirement after a 21-year career that included three years with the Mets.

The resolution was introduced by state Sen. Luis Sepúlveda, D-Bronx, who during his floor remarks said Colón’s achievements extend far beyond the baseball diamond.

“His career, marked by remarkable achievements, including a Cy Young Award, reflects not just athletic prowess, but a deep commitment to excellence,” Sepúlveda said. “But beyond his impressive records, what truly sets Bartolo apart is his impact on the community. He has been a role model, an inspiration, and a beacon of hope for many young people, showing that with hard work and dedication, any dream is achievable.”

Colón went 247-188 with a 4.12 ERA and 2,535 strikeouts in 3,461 2/3 innings. A four-time all-star, he started his big league career with Cleveland in 1997 and won the 2005 AL Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Angels. On May 7, 2006, Colón — affectionately known as "Big Sexy" — homered off the San Diego Padres’ James Shields, becoming, at 42 years, 349 days, the oldest player to hit his first major league homer, according to the Associated Press. Colón pitched for the Mets from 2014-16.

Ahead of the start of the state Senate’s session, Colón said it was a great honor to be recognized.

“For me, it’s a great honor, not only for me, but it’s a great gift for me and my family. I’m really honored and humbled to be here,” Colón said through a translator. “My career has been one of the most important things for me and my family and now that I just retired last year, when I’m home I think about my career and how it’s been for me and my family. And the most important fact is, that I miss it. I miss my career and I miss my fans.”

Colón last pitched in the MLB in 2018 with the Texas Rangers — his 11th different franchise, but then pitched in the Mexican League in 2021, followed by one final winter league baseball season in the Dominican Professional Baseball League in 2022-23.