Mets' P.J. Conlon became the first Irish-born player to debut in 73 years, and his family was just a tad excited
We noted that
"I take an awful needlin' about that, that one appearance," Cleary said after his career ended.
Well, not to worry, Mr. Cleary, as it seems Conlon -- hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland -- is here to right the ship for players from that area of the world. The lefty got his first big league hit and his family went wild:
First career start: ✅
— MLB (@MLB) May 8, 2018
First career hit: ✅
First salt and pepper: ✅@pjconlon29 is #ReadyToGo. pic.twitter.com/SIVhpIrfSy
He also recorded his first strikeout. Grandpa Conlon was very excited.
MLB.com's Anthony DiComo talked to Conlon about the support he received postgame:
"I've gotten unbelievable support, and all these people reaching out to me yesterday and today," Conlon said. "It means a lot. You could see them in the stands, waving the Irish flags. They're proud of it, and I'm proud of it."
Somewhere, Cleary's Irish eyes are smiling.