“You’re the best kid.”
A phrase that’s been uttered a countless number of times to young-phenom athletes in this country. Youngsters grow-up knowing they’re the best in the business and New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey is no exception.
The highly-touted prospect burst onto the scene late in the 2012 season. Since the inception of his big-league career, he’s done nothing but dominate National League hitters.
In 2013 he started 26 games for the Mets, winning nine-games, striking-out 191 and posting a sparkling 2.27 ERA, according to Baseball Reference. Harvey increased the “Harvey-mystique” by earning the start in the All-Star game at Citi Field.
All of a sudden the 24-year old prospect became a bonafide Major League Baseball hurler and was wildly-embraced by many.
What he also did well was handle everything off-the-field. It was evident that this kid had confidence. He believed in himself and because of the on-field success it felt real and refreshing.
As quickly as he became a stud though, it was taken away from him that much quicker as late in 2012 it was announced he needed the famous “Tommy John” surgery. This would shelve him for at least a full calendar year.
This has caused the “Harvey-Mystique” to take a hit.
Several incidences have received attention on the back-pages in New York, and most are now questioning whether Harvey is “unique” or “attention-starved.”
The club’s protocol for rehabbing players is for them to station in Port St. Lucie. Harvey would have none of that. His wish was to rehab in New York with the big-club. He took on the Mets organization (which is a very dangerous game) and his wish became their command.
The funny part is he’s only won a total of 12 games in his career.
Speculation flew around the city airwaves following the news comparing Harvey’s night-life to the likes of Joe Willie Namath. An admitted New York Rangers fan as well, Harvey makes no-bones about it, he likes the night-life and wanted to be in New York City.
Some people (fans and Mets personnel) felt that he was putting himself over the team. The Mets organization also made it known they were not happy about it.
Strike 1.
On Tuesday, Harvey tweeted a picture of himself giving the middle-finger just before his Tommy-John surgery was to begin, according to Hardball Talk, NBC Sports.
Now obviously in the grand-scheme of things this is not a huge deal but lets understand the Mets side of things for a moment. This guy is supposed to be the face of their franchise and he’s tweeting one of the more childish things you can do. Not to mention it took place last year.
That picture is now public.
What the fans and organization is hoping for is a guy that is special on and off the field. When you’re shelved and on the back-burner, to continually thrust yourself into the media spotlight is not a wise decision.
Doing it while breaking off nasty sliders and change-ups is one thing. Doing it while you’re out of the picture creates labels such as childish and arrogant.
Strike 2.
After this most recent incident, Harvey deleted his Twitter account completely. Known for tweeting a ton, can Harvey handle the boredom of not getting on that mound every five-days?
There is nothing wrong with being yourself and ultimately labeled a "character." When it seems to be done in a "forced" fashion though is when the New York media will slaughter you.
The unique quality Harvey seemed to possess in 2013 has turned to childish behavior in 2014. One year older (and hopefully wiser) now at 25, we are all waiting for strike 3.
There are only two-roads to go from here: Become the Mets version of Derek Jeter, or become another forgotten name in a short-lived New York sports career.