Video summary
For Carlos Rodón, pitching on September 11th was far more than a standard professional game; it was a deeply significant event given the tragic history of that date in New York and across the nation. Although he acknowledged the heavy emotional weight of the occasion, Rodón expressed honor at being part of the ceremony, which included the prominent display of the flag in center field. He noted that while the atmosphere was somber, it was also a privilege to contribute to such a meaningful tribute, reflecting on how the event resonates both locally and globally twenty-five years after the attacks.
Regarding his performance on the mound, Rodón credited his sharpness to a well-executed game plan developed by his manager, Wells, which he followed closely throughout the outing. His strategy focused entirely on making quality pitches, getting ahead in counts, and securing outs rather than overthinking the unique circumstances of the day. He also offered praise for the opposing team's offense, specifically highlighting pitcher McClain as one of the better pitchers in the league who had been warmed up effectively by his teammates, resulting in a solid performance from the Mets lineup.
Looking beyond the specific game, Rodón reflected on the team's recent momentum, noting that winning four games in a row and seven out of their last nine has reinforced their core mindset. He emphasized that the goal remains consistent regardless of the day or the historical context: to come out every night with the intention to win. This disciplined approach suggests that while the pregame events added emotional depth, the competitive drive and focus on daily improvement remained the primary drivers for the team's success.
Ultimately, Rodón's biggest takeaway from the evening was a renewed commitment to never forget the significance of September 11th while continuing to strive for excellence on the field. He viewed the experience as an honor that blended personal reflection with professional duty, allowing him to honor the memory of those affected while fulfilling his role as a pitcher. The combination of the ceremonial elements and his own performance created a moment that felt both poignant and inspiring, leaving him with a sense of pride in what he achieved that night.
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Carlos, was this in any way more than
just a game to you with the FDNY? Had
obviously you're preparing for the game,
but a lot of stuff going on pregame as
well.
>> Yeah, I mean uh
it's been 25 years since 9/11 and you
know
obviously it's pretty significant here
in New York and obviously world
worldwide across the nation. Um
yeah, I mean it's kind of heavy, but um
it's cool to be a part of. I don't know
if like in a great way, but it's you
know
it's sad and then of course it's just I
mean it's it's an honor to be able to
pitch tonight as well.
>> Seemed like you were pretty sharp
especially early on. Just what allowed
your stuff to be so crisp?
>> Um you know, I thought you know Wells
had a really good game plan back there.
I just kind of rolled with him and
um
and just focused on on making pitches
and getting ahead and getting outs.
>> What do you thought of of the offense
lately? It seems like they've been
they've been finding a way.
>> Yeah, McClain's you know one of one of
the better pitchers in the game and I
feel like they warmed him warmed him
pretty well.
Um some big swings across the the
batting order and you know, just a solid
one.
>> How how encouraging have the last 2
weeks been essentially? You guys have
won four in a row, seven out of your
last nine and even from there.
>> Yeah, I mean it's just we try to come
out here and win every night, so same
thing tomorrow. That's it. I mean just
next, you know
win next, win next. That's just kind of
the mindset.
>> Carlos, what's your biggest takeaway
from tonight and then everything that
happened pregame?
>> Um you know, obviously uh
I don't know. It's
like I said, I mean
the big flag in the in center. Um
I mean it's just cool to be a part of
like I said, an honor to pitch tonight
and just uh
just never forget, I guess.