This Day in NY Mets History: Jose Reyes makes his MLB debut a day before turning 20

On June 10, 2003, a different kind of New York Mets shortstop made his MLB debut. Many years of lighter hitting players at the position reserved for the eighth spot in the lineup were the direction this team often went. Things finally changed with the presence of Jose Reyes who for several years was one of the best in the game at shortstop.

Speed was what made Reyes such an important part of the Mets lineup. A batting title later in his career provided the Mets with a first in the club’s history until Jeff McNeil in 2022. A one-of-a-kind Mets player, it all began on a Tuesday night against, of all teams, the Texas Rangers.

Remembering Jose Reyes’ MLB debut for the Mets in 2003

A pitching matchup between Steve Trachsel and John Thomson, each with an ERA over 5.00 by the time this game completed, wasn’t even a footnote on what would turn out to be a 9-7 Rangers victory. It was a miserable year for the Mets. Players past their prime made up the majority of the roster.

In this game, Reyes would bat ninth. Trachsel was replaced in the lineup by Cliff Floyd to DH because of the game taking place in an American League ballpark.

Some classic early 2000s Mets were in this lineup. Roberto Alomar hit third and played second base. Ty Wigginton, Jason Phillips, and Vance Wilson were all present. Playing center field was Jeromy Burnitz. At the very bottom was a 19-year-old Reyes who would celebrate his 20th birthday the next day.

It didn’t take long for Reyes to have an impact. He led off the top of the third with a single. A double off the bat of Roger Cedeno scored him from first base. He grounded out in his second at-bat then led off the seventh with a double. Go figure. One of the best leadoff men in Mets history had two hits to lead off an inning in his MLB debut. He’d come around to score his second big league run on a groundout.

A pop out in his final at-bat to end the eighth inning was the last we saw of him at the plate. But it could have been worse than a 2 for 4 day with a double and a pair of runs scored.

Reyes would slow down over the next few games before a grand slam in Anaheim gave us another big moment. He’d play ten games on the road from June 10-19 before finally coming to Shea Stadium to appear in front of the home crowd.