Tuesday night wasn’t just a 12-2 Mets victory over the Blue Jays, but also Curtis Granderson’s return to the Big Apple.

In 2014, the Mets were able to secure the services of the 3-time all-star by signing him to a 4-year contract worth $60 million.

Although originally signed to protect David Wright in the clean-up spot, he had taken over as the clubs primary leadoff hitter by 2015. This is not a surprise considering the degree of success he experienced batting 1st, netting 45 career leadoff homers which ranks 2nd among active players only to Ian Kinsler.

During the 2015 season, he was one of the team’s best offensive weapons. Granderson was the Mets leader in hits, runs scored, stolen bases, and on-base percentage. His production propelled them through the playoffs and into the World Series for the first time since 2000.

Not only did he make his mark in Queens, he was also a fan favorite in the Bronx earlier in his career when he played for the cross-town rival New York Yankees. He played for the Yankees from 2010-2013, earning 3 all-star appearances and the 2011 Silver Slugger Award.

In 2016, he was given the Roberto Clemente Award and Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for his active participation in community service and commitment to respecting the game as baseball. Granderson, or the “Grandyman”, is known for being one of the friendliest players around the MLB as well as his professionalism.

His tenure with the Mets came to an abrupt end in August 2017, when he was traded to the Dodgers for a player to be named later (Jacob Rhame).

He finished his career with the Mets batting .239 with 95 home runs and 247 RBIs in 573 career games.

Now a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, Granderson entered Tuesday eager for the matchup against his former team. “When asked about the game, Curtis responded, “I got to be a part of four seasons here in Citi Field with the blue and orange and it’s a great organization from top to bottom. A lot of guys that I played with are still over here so I’m looking forward to playing against them after playing with them for so many years.”



Curtis Granderson did not know how fans would react to seeing him back in New York. “If we are cheered, that’s obviously a great thing, if we are not that means that ‘Hey, we’re still cheering for the team that we’re supposed to be cheering for and that’s the New York Mets.’ It’s going to be fun either way for me.”

Fear not, Mets fans know how to treat their own. As he approached the plate for his first at-bat of the night, New York fans met him with a standing ovation to recognize the positive impact he had on the franchise during his time in Queens.

He finished the first of a two-game series with Toronto 1-4 with a single, 1 run scored, and 1 stolen base. On Wednesday, he followed up this performance with a 2-4 outing and 2 runs scored.

His only hit of the day in addition to his first strikeout came against Noah Syndergaard, one of the league’s best pitchers according to Granderson. Described as “one of the top arms in all of baseball,” Syndergaard was able to spoil Granderson’s return by allowing only 2 runs, picking up the win and striking out 7 in the process against the team that drafted him.

It was a series to remember for the veteran outfielder, but he must turn his attention back to the American League as Toronto looks to claw their way into contention in the AL East.