Matt Harvey 'Was Holding Back Tears' After Warm Reception from Mets Fans

Adam Wells @adamwells1985Featured ColumnistMay 12, 2021

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Matt Harvey (32) winds up during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Matt Harvey's first appearance as a visiting pitcher at Citi Field was an emotional experience for the former All-Star.

Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's game, Harvey said he "was holding back tears" after receiving a warm reception from New York Mets fans.

Anthony DiComo @AnthonyDiComo
I can't remember the last time Matt Harvey was like this in an interview -- poignant, reflective, honest, raw. It's clear returning to Citi Field really meant something to him, as did the fact that the fans here received him warmly. https://t.co/4KpWr72hBx

Harvey allowed seven runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings for the Baltimore Orioles in a 7-1 loss against his old team.

The Mets selected Harvey with the seventh overall pick in the 2010 draft. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball with a 2.53 ERA and 449 strikeouts in 427 innings over 65 starts from 2012 to 2015.

During New York's run to the 2015 World Series, Harvey went 2-0 with a 3.04 ERA in four starts.

Injuries and a poor performance eventually led the Mets to trade Harvey to the Cincinnati Reds in May 2018. The 32-year-old has bounced around the league over the past three seasons, including stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals.

Baltimore signed Harvey to a minor league deal in February. He made the team's Opening Day roster coming out of spring training.

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