It was Opening Day last season. Jenrry Mejia was injured and could not pitch. Terry Collins had to turn to someone to close out the Mets 3-1 win over Washington. He turned to the 37 year old Buddy Carlyle, who earned his first career save. 

In some small measure, Collins pick was to reward Carlyle for an absolutely terrific 2014 season. 

Carlyle really came from nowhere. He had been 11-12 with a 5.58 ERA in his seven year major league seasons. He played one year in Korea, one year in Japan, and one year in the Dominican Winter Leagues. In the two years prior to joining the Mets, Carlyle pitched in AAA. There was no reason to believe that Carlyle could help the Mets in 2014. Then again, there was no reason to believe the bullpen that was constructed would need Buddy Carlyle. 

Carlyle got called up at the end of May. He would go on and pitch 31.0 innings in 27 appearances. Carlyle would finish the year with a sparkling 1.45 ERA. He was supposed to be a part of the 2015 bullpen and build upon his success. Instead, Carlyle recorded the one save and had season ending hip surgery. 

Well Carlyle is back with the Mets on another minor league deal. There’s two open bullpen spots, and at least in theory, Carlyle is a candidate for the job. He has a history of pitching well for the Mets, and they thought enough about him that they invited him to come back on a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. 

Carlyle is 38 years old. As of right now, it appears he’s ticketed for AAA to start the season. I always have an immense amount of respect for players like this. Guys who could easily quit and go home. He’s had a tough career, had some success, and have suffered injuries. It’s never easy for the Carlyle’s of the world, yet he is going to force baeeball to tear the uniform off his back. At that point, he’ll look to play elsewhere. He will play until someone says he can play no more. 

That’s admirable. Baseball is better with the Buddy Carlyles of the world. People who scratch and claw just to be average, just to be a part of something. When he finally retires, it’ll be a blurb in the newspaper instead of him having an elaborate press conference. 

Before that point, I hope Carlyle gets one last chance to pitch for the Mets. I hope he can walk off the field, under his own terms, with his head held high. With all he’s done to be here, he deserves that chance. I’m rooting for Buddy Carlyle.