If Your Birthday is June 19th...

... you share it with Jacob deGrom.  The best starting pitcher developed by the Mets since Doc Gooden was NL Rookie of the Year in 2014 and went on to win two Cy Young Awards and two strikeout titles during his nine seasons at Citi Field.  But injuries proved to be a problem in 2021 and '22, despite impressive work.  

After opting out of his contract, he signed a five-year deal with the Rangers.  But less than two months into his Texas tenure, he underwent Tommy John surgery and watched his new teammates win a World Series without him.

Now the question is, with just 100 career victories, will be post big enough career numbers -- especially in the era where 20-game winners are virtually extinct -- to merit Cooperstown consideration.

 

Along with a past ace, today's birthday circle includes a possible future, one.  Jonah Tong rocketed his way through the Mets farm system in just 2-1/2 years and made his major league debut last August 29th.  It's been an up and down time for the ballplayer who's been building his own brand: when I saw him pitch for AA Binghamton last summer, he'd set up his own souvenir table outside the Rumble Ponies team store selling his own merch.  The Ontario native's pride in his home country, combined with a blazing fastball, made a catchy logo for tee shirts and  even the Mirabito Stadium video board.