Major League Baseball is marking the 10th anniversary of Bartolo Colon hitting his first and only career home run [1].
The event stands as a rare feat in professional sports because pitchers seldom possess the hitting power to clear the fences. Colon's achievement at age 42 [2] challenged the traditional roles of the game and created a lasting piece of baseball lore.
The home run occurred on May 7, 2016 [1], during a New York Mets home game against the San Diego Padres at Citi Field [3]. Colon, then a 42-year-old pitcher [2], hit a solo shot that became an instant highlight for the league. It was the first time in his professional career that he had hit a home run [3].
To commemorate the event, Topps Now released a limited-edition baseball card immortalizing the moment [3]. The collectible captured the rarity of a veteran pitcher finding such success at the plate. According to records, 8,826 of these specific cards were sold [2].
The moment is often cited as one of the most unlikely plays in MLB history due to the combination of the player's position and his age [1]. While pitchers are expected to dominate on the mound, the sight of a 42-year-old pitcher hitting a home run provided a unique spectacle for the fans at Citi Field [3].
Colon's single home run remains a point of fascination for historians and fans alike. The 10th anniversary in 2026 serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport [1].
“Bartolo Colon hit his first and only career home run on May 7, 2016.”
The enduring popularity of this moment reflects the baseball community's appreciation for 'outlier' events. By celebrating a pitcher's offensive success a decade later, the league highlights the human element of the game where veteran players can achieve unexpected milestones regardless of their primary role.
