Brandon Nimmo had a lot on his mind during that ninth inning, but when he hit that clutch single, he knew exactly where the energy came from. After the Mets pulled off a thrilling 4-2 win over the Brewers to advance to the National League Division Series, Nimmo shared some tough news with the team. Just before the game, he found out that his grandmother had passed away. Nimmo, who was the Mets’ first-round pick back in 2011, has come a long way since then.
After signing an eight-year, $162 million contract with the team following the 2022 season, Brandon Nimmo ‘s really solidified his place in New York. Now, the Mets are gearing up to meet the Philadelphia Phillies in the best-of-five National League Division Series starting Saturday. You can bet Nimmo will be giving it his all, fueled by both his competitive spirit and the memories of his grandmother.
Brandon Nimmo’s Heartfelt Struggle amidst crucial game
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Brandon Nimmo shared that his grandmother, Claudine, was in her late 80s and had recently contracted COVID. She was back in the hospital on Wednesday, and just an hour before the game, he received the heartbreaking news from his family about her passing. “It’s just a huge roller-coaster of emotions today,” Nimmo said after his single put the tying run on base according to the New York Post, which preceded the go-ahead, three-run home run from Pete Alonso. “It did put things in perspective for me.” He hadn’t shared the news with anyone on the team yet, revealing that his grandmother had been hospitalized just a day earlier.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite the sorrow, Nimmo reflected on the special bond he had with his grandparents, who would watch every game. He felt their support with him on the field, a reminder of how much those moments meant to him. Even amidst the celebration, his love for his family and the memories they shared brought a deeper significance to his performance that night. Nimmo stepped up for that win-or-go-home game, even after hearing the heartbreaking news. He felt deep down that his grandmother would have been proud of him in that moment. As he reflected on the game, he knew she would have loved to see him contribute to the team’s victory.
What’s your perspective on:
Does Brandon Nimmo's performance after his grandmother's passing show the true spirit of a sportsman?
Have an interesting take?
The Mets’ relentless spirit resurfaces
With the Mets down 2-0 in the top of the ninth inning of that win-or-go-home Wild Card game against the Brewers, Brandon Nimmo stepped up to the plate as the potential tying run. Facing an 0-2 count, he delivered with a sharp single into right field, which sent Francisco Lindor hustling from first to third. That set the stage perfectly for slugger Pete Alonso, who came up next as the go-ahead run.And we all know what happened after that—Alonso launched a massive three-run homer over the right field wall, flipping the game on its head and giving the Mets their first lead.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As Nimmo jogged around the bases, he was right there to celebrate with Alonso as he crossed home plate. That’s been the theme of the Mets’ season: when they look down and out, they come roaring back. For most of the game, they struggled against Tobias Myers and one of the best bullpens in the league, but when the Brewers brought in their star closer with a 2-0 lead, the Mets flipped the script in an instant. Pete Alonso had been pretty quiet in this series, aside from a few mishaps like tripping over his own bat and hitting into a double play that cost him an RBI in the Game 2 loss.
But when the moment called for it, he delivered. In a stunning turn of events, the guy who’s hit the most home runs since entering the league stepped up when it mattered most, transforming a near-certain defeat into one of the biggest victories in Mets history. The fans behind the dugout erupted in celebration. They chanted “M-V-P” for Lindor, and then switched to “Pete A-Lon-So,” waving signs that read “OMG.” This truly was an OMG moment for a team that’s had its fair share of unforgettable ones.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Debate
Does Brandon Nimmo's performance after his grandmother's passing show the true spirit of a sportsman?