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Elias: Walk-off Homeruns and Mets Catchers

by Michael Baron on October 2nd, 2010 at 9:09 am

Last night, Josh Thole hit a game winning, solo home run in the tenth inning.

Thole became the third Mets catcher this season to hit a walk-off homerun, joining Rod Barajas on May 7 against the Giants and Henry Blanco on May 8 against the Giants, and according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Mets are the first team in Major League history to have three catchers hit walk-off home runs in a single season.

After the game, Thole spoke with SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt about that home run, and said the following:

“It felt good, things haven’t been going my way…it was good to get the monkey off my back…we’re not trying to finish this season on a bad note at all…”

My wife said last night Thole is one of the more well-spoken players she’s listened to in a long time, and I completely agree with that – for someone who is so young, he seems so poised and professional about his game, and I think that is an intangible that will help him develop in the major leagues as he gains more experience. He is constructively critical about himself and his performances, which I think is a good thing because it may help him never to settle for anything, and always seek to improve himself both offensively and defensively.

Thole hit just .216 in September, but has hit .277 with three home runs and 17 RBI overall this season.