Matthew Edward Harvey, known to many as "The Dark Knight," became a well-known figure in Major League Baseball as a pitcher. Born on March 27, 1989, in New London, Connecticut, Harvey's journey to the major leagues began with his selection by the New York Mets in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Mets' minor league system, showcasing his potential as a dominant pitcher.
Harvey made his MLB debut on July 26, 2012, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his first game, he struck out 11 batters, setting a Mets record for strikeouts in a debut. This performance was a precursor to his promising career with the Mets. During the 2013 season, Harvey's talent was on full display. He earned a spot on the National League All-Star team and even started the All-Star Game, which was held at Citi Field, the Mets' home stadium. That year, he finished with a 9-5 record and an impressive 2.27 ERA, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top young pitchers.
Unfortunately, Harvey's career faced a significant setback when he was diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. This injury forced him to miss the entire 2014 season. However, Harvey returned to the mound in 2015, eager to reclaim his status as an elite pitcher. His comeback was a success, as he played a crucial role in leading the Mets to the World Series. Despite losing to the Kansas City Royals, Harvey's performance in the postseason was commendable, particularly his outing in Game 5 of the World Series, where he pitched eight scoreless innings before the Royals mounted a comeback.
The following years were challenging for Harvey. In 2016, he struggled with inconsistency and was eventually diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, which required season-ending surgery. The 2017 season was also difficult, as he battled injuries and performance issues, leading to a demotion to the bullpen. In May 2018, the Mets traded Harvey to the Cincinnati Reds, marking the end of his tenure in New York.
Harvey's time with the Reds was a period of transition. He showed glimpses of his former self but was unable to maintain consistent success. After the 2018 season, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, hoping for a fresh start. Unfortunately, his stint with the Angels was short-lived, as he was designated for assignment in July 2019 after struggling on the mound.
In 2020, Harvey signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals and made a few appearances during the shortened season. The following year, he joined the Baltimore Orioles, where he aimed to revive his career. While he managed to stay in the rotation for most of the 2021 season, his performance was mixed, and he finished with a 6-14 record and a 6.27 ERA.
Throughout his career, Harvey's fastball and competitive spirit were his trademarks.
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