Long Island native celebrates dream moment playing for hometown team
Category: Sports
(Central Islip, N.Y., July 7, 2026) – Right-handed pitcher Matt Seelinger was called up to the Major Leagues by the New York Mets on July 7, 2026, just before their game against the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field. This marks a remarkable milestone for Seelinger, who becomes the 34th player to reach the big leagues after playing for the Long Island Ducks.
Seelinger's promotion is a personal achievement and a reflection of the Long Island Ducks' successful history as a stepping stone for players aspiring to reach Major League Baseball. “We congratulate Matt on this incredibly well-deserved opportunity,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “He was outstanding in the bullpen for us two years ago, and it’s exciting to see a Long Island native first pitch for his hometown team and now make his MLB debut just minutes from where he grew up.”
During the 2024 season with the Ducks, Seelinger pitched in 21 games, recording an impressive 0.44 ERA with 11 saves. He conceded only two runs (one earned) in 20.2 innings pitched, struck out 31 batters, and allowed just nine hits and eight walks. His stellar performance attracted attention, leading to his contract being purchased by the Detroit Tigers on June 25, 2024. Since joining the Tigers organization, Seelinger has continued to excel, posting an 11-4 record with a 2.86 ERA over 31 games with Double-A Erie and 63 games with Triple-A Toledo.
Seelinger's path to the Major Leagues has been long and arduous. Drafted in the 28th round in 2017, he faced the challenges of being a Division III product from Farmingdale State College. Over nearly a decade, he has played for various minor league teams, including the Pirates, Rays, Giants, and Phillies organizations, before finding his way back home to the Mets. “When you do anything for 10 years and you don’t get what you want in any job, it’s tough to keep going,” Seelinger told Newsday. “But I knew I always, one, loved it, and two, I knew that I could do it.”
After being acquired by the Mets in exchange for cash on July 6, 2026, Seelinger was activated just in time for the game against the Royals. He entered the game in the seventh inning with the score tied 9-9, a moment he had long dreamed of. “I think all of Long Island will be there,” he remarked, expressing his excitement about the crowd of familiar faces cheering him on.
Seelinger's call-up comes at a time when the Mets are looking to bolster their bullpen, having designated Guillo Zuñiga and Alex Carrillo for assignment to make room for him. In his time at Triple-A Toledo this season, he recorded a 3.89 ERA over 39.1 innings, with 49 strikeouts and 19 walks. His ability to miss bats and maintain a solid strikeout rate has made him a valuable addition to the Mets' roster.
Looking ahead, Seelinger's debut was marked by challenges; he allowed seven runs in the seventh inning during a 16-12 loss to the Royals. Nevertheless, he managed to throw a scoreless eighth inning, demonstrating resilience and the potential to contribute to the Mets' bullpen moving forward. “It’s a whirlwind, it’s a dream scenario for me,” he said, recalling how he grew up just 20 minutes from Citi Field and attended games there as a child.
Seelinger's story resonates with many aspiring athletes, illustrating that perseverance can lead to success, even when the odds seem stacked against them. With 284 minor league games under his belt and a career ERA of 3.33, he has proven his capability to perform at a high level. As he embarks on this new chapter, the Mets and their fans are hopeful that Seelinger will continue to grow and thrive in the Major Leagues.
As Seelinger settles into his new role, he carries the hopes and dreams of his community with him. His debut symbolizes his personal achievement and serves as an inspiration for many young athletes who aspire to follow in his footsteps. The Mets' next game is scheduled for July 8, 2026, where Seelinger will likely have another opportunity to showcase his talent on the mound.