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Kevin Herget grew up in northern New Jersey, a Mets fan, rooting for David Wright and Jose Reyes and Edgardo Alfonso before that.
But as a three-sport athlete at Park Ridge HS, Herget spent more time playing than watching.
Still, he said Tuesday there was extra meaning to being with the Mets after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse.
“I didn’t go to a lot of games, but I went to Shea [Stadium] and Citi Field as a kid,’’ the 34-year-old said before the Mets’ 8-3 win over the Diamondbacks at Citi Field. “It is pretty special.”
For Herget, any time in the majors stands out.
Drafted by the Cardinals in the 39th round in 2013 out of Kean University in Union, N.J., Herget has appeared in 342 minor league games in a 12-year professional career.
Tuesday was his 25th appearance in the majors.
“I’ve been up and down [to the minors] so many times the past few years, you never know how long it’s going to last when you’re here,’’ said Herget, whose parents were in attendance Tuesday.
Over the previous three seasons, he saw time with the Rays, Reds and Brewers,
The Mets selected him off waivers in November and Herget was summoned from Triple-A Syracuse to take Jose Urena’s spot on Tuesday.
Herget knows he may not stay in Queens long. The Mets need to open a roster spot Wednesday, with Brandon Waddell expected to pitch against Arizona.
Herget said he would enjoy it while it lasts.
“It goes back to high school and then in college,” Herget said. “My mantra was, ‘Play four more years.’ I like the game and want to play as long as I can. In school, it was four more years. Now, it’s just keep going while I can. It’s a small window of time, relatively.”
On Tuesday, Herget got in the game, as he pitched the final two innings and allowed a run in an 8-3 win over Arizona.
“I’ve done it all,’’ Herget said, on his fifth organization in the last five years. “I’ve been the extra guy for a doubleheader with Milwaukee. I was there just in case something happened and watched the game in the clubhouse. I’ve been optioned, [designated for assignment], everything. I don’t mind doing it. I just want to keep going.”
