Introduction
Matt Harvey was one of the most promising young pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) when he burst onto the scene in 2012. Dubbed the Dark Knight for his intimidating presence on the mound, Harvey quickly established himself as a dominant force on the pitching rubber. His impressive performance in his rookie season earned him a spot in the 2013 All-Star Game, where he started for the National League team.
Early Career
Harvey was born in New London, Connecticut in 1989. He grew up playing baseball and basketball, and was an all-state athlete in both sports during his high school years. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college baseball for the Tar Heels.
In 2010, the New York Mets selected Harvey with the seventh overall pick in the MLB draft. He spent the next two years working his way through the minor leagues, before finally making his debut with the Mets in July 2012.
Rise to Stardom
Harvey’s rookie season was nothing short of sensational. He finished the year with a 2.73 earned run average (ERA) and 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He also recorded 70 strikeouts in his first 10 starts, a Mets franchise record.
Harvey’s strong performance earned him a spot in the 2013 All-Star Game, where he started for the National League team. He pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three batters and allowing just one hit.
Injury and Setbacks
Despite his early success, Harvey’s career was derailed by a series of injuries. In August 2013, he was diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. He opted to undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure that would force him to miss the entire 2014 season.
Harvey returned to the mound in 2015, but struggled with his command and velocity. He finished the year with a 4.86 ERA and just 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He also missed a mandatory workout before the start of the postseason, leading to a suspension by the Mets.
Comeback Attempt
Harvey continued to struggle in 2016, posting a 4.86 ERA in 17 starts before being shut down with thoracic outlet syndrome. He underwent surgery to correct the issue, but his struggles continued in 2017.
Harvey was demoted to the bullpen in April 2018, and was eventually traded to the Cincinnati Reds in May. He finished the year with a 7-9 record and a 4.94 ERA.
Conclusion
Matt Harvey’s career serves as a cautionary tale for young pitchers in baseball. Despite his early success, injuries and off-field issues derailed his promising career. While he may never regain the form that earned him the nickname Dark Knight, Harvey remains a compelling figure in the sport, and a reminder of the fleeting nature of success in professional sports.
