Few pitchers in modern baseball history are as unforgettable as Bartolo Colón. Known affectionately as “Big Sexy,” Colon built a 21-year MLB career filled with durability, personality, and one of the most iconic home runs baseball fans have ever witnessed. From winning a Cy Young Award to becoming the oldest player to hit his first MLB homer, Colon remains a beloved figure long after retirement.
Bartolo Colon’s Legendary Home Run
On May 7, 2016, Colon produced one of the most viral moments in baseball history when he hit the first — and only — home run of his MLB career while playing for the New York Mets. Facing pitcher James Shields of the San Diego Padres, Colon launched a surprise blast over the left-field wall at Petco Park.
At 42 years old, Colon became the oldest player in MLB history to hit his first career home run. The moment instantly became part of baseball folklore and continues to trend online even a decade later. Fans on Reddit still call it “the greatest moment in sports history,” highlighting just how memorable the play remains in baseball culture.
The home run also showcased Colon’s unique popularity. Despite being a pitcher with a career batting average below .100, his joyful trot around the bases became one of MLB’s most replayed highlights.
Bartolo Colon’s Hall of Fame Chances
Colon’s Hall of Fame debate remains one of baseball’s most interesting discussions. While he has not been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, many analysts believe his longevity and career accomplishments make him a serious candidate.
Colon finished his MLB career with:
- 247 wins
- 2,535 strikeouts
- 3,461.2 innings pitched
- A 4.12 ERA
- Four All-Star appearances
- The 2005 American League Cy Young Award
These numbers place him among the most durable pitchers of his era. He also holds the record for the most wins by a Latin American-born pitcher in MLB history.
Some statistical analysts argue that players with more than 240 career wins deserve Hall of Fame recognition, a threshold Colon surpassed comfortably. However, critics point to his PED suspension and lack of postseason dominance as factors that could keep him out.
Regardless of the official outcome, Colon already occupies a special place in baseball history thanks to his personality, durability, and unforgettable moments.
Where Is Bartolo Colon Now?
Although Colon last appeared in MLB during the 2018 season with the Texas Rangers, he remained active in baseball after leaving the majors. He pitched in the Dominican Winter League and later announced plans to officially retire following the 2022–23 winter season.
Today, Colon remains involved in baseball appearances, alumni events, and fan celebrations. He continues to be one of the sport’s most recognizable retired players, especially among Mets fans who still celebrate his famous homer.
Social media clips of Colon’s pitching style, batting attempts, and home run continue generating millions of views, proving his popularity has hardly faded.
Bartolo Colon Career Stats
Here’s a quick look at Colon’s impressive MLB résumé:
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 21 |
| Wins | 247 |
| Losses | 188 |
| ERA | 4.12 |
| Strikeouts | 2,535 |
| Innings Pitched | 3,461.2 |
| Teams Played For | 11 |
| All-Star Selections | 4 |
| Cy Young Awards | 1 |
Colon played for several franchises, including the Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, and Mets.
Why Bartolo Colon Remains So Popular
Baseball has produced countless stars, but very few personalities like Bartolo Colon. Fans appreciated not only his pitching talent but also his charisma, humor, and longevity. Whether dominating hitters with a fastball-heavy approach or awkwardly swinging a bat before his famous home run, Colon became one of MLB’s most entertaining figures.
Even years after retirement, his highlights remain staples of baseball conversations online. For many fans, Colon represents a rare mix of elite performance and pure joy for the game.
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