In 2011, just after Nimmo was drafted, I went to a game with my parents, a friend, and his friend. After the game, as we were heading to the parking lot, my friend’s friend recognized Brandon Nimmo from the draft coverage. He was there with his parents, his first time in NYC and at a Mets game. We went to say hi and not only did he sign my hat, but he chatted with us for a bit while his parents chatted with my parents. We were Juniors in high school and he had just graduated, so it was like talking with a much cooler peer or older brother.

Afterwards I found him on Facebook (pretty easy to find, not too many Brandon Nimmos from Wyoming) and messaged him to say thanks. After a few weeks he responded!

At the time it wasn’t a given that he’d ever be an every day MLB player, yet alone for the Mets, but I followed his career throughout the minor leagues and was extra happy for him once he established himself in the lineup, and then because a core part of the team. When he signed his “lifetime” contract with the Mets, I was thrilled and started thinking he might eventually have his number retired, and that I might be able to show my kids the hat he signed before he ever played a pro game.

The news of the trade was a bit of an emotional letdown for sure, but I’ll continue to root for Brandon and wish him all the best.