The reigning National League-champion Mets are headed to the postseason for the second consecutive year after winning the first NL Wild Card. As this will be the first time that many fans across the Majors will be focusing on their roster, here's our attempt to learn the origins of veteran hurler Bartolo Colon.
Bartolo Colon, RHP
Born: Altamira, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
DOB: 5/24/73
HS: Puerto Plata (D.R.)
Minors: Burlington (R), Kinston (A+), Canton-Akron (AA), Buffalo (AAA)
:: Before they were postseason-bound: Select a player ::
Path to New York: The Mets are Colon's eighth big league club. He began his 19-year career by signing with the Indians out of the Dominican Republic in 1993, and had stints with the Expos, White Sox, Angels, Red Sox, Yankees and A's before joining the Mets via free agency in 2013.
Trophy case: AL Cy Young Award (2005), four-time All-Star (1998, 2005, '13 and '16), AL Pitcher of the Month (September 2013, August 2005, May 2002 and June 1998).
Famous feat(s): In his 480th career game, on May 7, Colon launched a solo shot against the Padres in San Diego, becoming the oldest player to hit his first career home run.
"I really don't know what to say," Padres manager Andy Green said after the game. "Some things leave you speechless."
You might not know: With a win over the Orioles in May 2015, Colon became the first pitcher to beat a team while pitching for seven different clubs.
Six degrees of Willie Aikens: Colon's career impact spans tentacles more than half a century long. He pitched against Hall of Famer Eddie Murray in his first career start. Murray was born in 1956.
Last Expo standing: Colon is the only active player to have played for the Montreal Expos. He went 10-4 with a 3.31 ERA through 17 starts with the club in 2002, two years before the franchise moved to Washington.
Branding: Colon has taken to his "Big Sexy" nickname and applied for a trademark on it this spring with the intention of using it for athletic apparel, according to ESPN.