10 Years Ago: Bartolo Colon’s Historic First (And Only) Career Home Run

Ten Years After the Moment That Defined a Career: Bartolo Colon’s Only MLB Home Run

May 7, 2016, will forever be etched in baseball history as the day Bartolo Colon, a 42-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, hit his first—and only—career home run. The blast, a two-run shot off San Diego Padres starter James Shields in the second inning at Petco Park, was not just a personal milestone but a pivotal moment in the game. It gave the Mets a commanding 4-0 lead and ultimately helped them secure a 6-3 victory, snapping a two-game losing skid.

Colon’s home run was a historic achievement in more ways than one. At the time, he became the oldest player in Major League Baseball history to hit his first career home run, a distinction that underscored his unique blend of longevity, skill and sheer determination. The moment was met with disbelief, celebration, and a standing ovation from his teammates, who had long marveled at Colon’s occasional but legendary attempts at hitting during his pitching career.

The home run was not just a fluke. Colon had spent years entertaining fans with his occasional swings at the plate, often sending his helmet flying in the process. But this time, his swing connected with a 90 mph fastball from Shields, sending the ball soaring into the stands. The Mets’ dugout erupted as Colon, a 21-year veteran, rounded the bases to the cheers of his teammates and the stunned silence of the Padres’ dugout.

“It was surreal,” Colon said afterward. “I’m very thankful. I thank God for this amazing moment. I wasn’t expecting it.”

The impact of Colon’s home run extended beyond the box score. It was a reminder of baseball’s unpredictable nature, where even the most unlikely heroes can rise to the occasion. For the Mets, it was a statement of resilience and a moment of collective joy that transcended the game itself.

Colon’s home run also highlighted the broader narrative of his career—a story of perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to defy expectations. Even as his fastball velocity dipped with age, Colon continued to dominate as a pitcher, delivering 6 2/3 innings of three-run ball in that game alone. His performance on the mound, combined with his legendary swing, cemented his place in baseball lore as one of the most beloved figures in the sport.

Ten years later, Colon’s home run remains a defining moment, not just for his career, but for the sport as a whole. It was a reminder that in baseball, as in life, the greatest stories often come from the most unexpected places.