Tyler Badamo led the Dowling Golden Lions to within one game of the College World Series in 2014. His numbers were eye popping–9-3 record, 0.83 ERA, 108.1 IP, 129 Ks (led the nation and set a program record) with an opponent batting average of .197. Less than a month later he was selected by the New York Mets and assigned to the Gulf Coast League. He pitched to a 1.74 ERA over 31.0 IP. This season he was assigned to the Brooklyn Cyclones of the New York Penn League. He was victimized by some poor run support–he went 5-6 with a 3.10 ERA over 81.1 IP. He struck out 66 and compiled a terrific 1.02 WHIP. Ever the competitor, Badamo will be looking to advance through the minor leagues and join the already-stacked rotation of the Mets.
Earlier in the year you said you were excited to play close to home. Did it work out as you had hoped, especially considering the birth of your son this year?
It worked out exactly how I had hoped. Everyone of my starts at home I had to ask the front office to leave me at least 20 tickets. The birth of my son was fortunately after I had gotten home and all of our minor league teams were finished so anywhere I was I wouldn’t have missed it which was great timing. I loved playing close to home it allowed my family and friends to come see me pitch and gave me a little taste of how it felt like in college. On a much higher level of course.
Did you find the New York Penn League to be basically what you expected ? Or were you surprised by the overall talent level?
The New York Penn league was pretty much exactly what I was told. Each team is relatively solid filled with mostly college players or high school draft picks that were a few years in their respective organization. There were, of course, a few standout top-round players that you will notice the minute they step on the field. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Penn league. I learned a lot from my coaching staff and it was my first taste of true pro ball.
With the Mets winning the NL East and advancing to their first World Series in 15 years, do you find yourself more emotionally invested into the big league club than you’ve ever been? Do you have vivid memories of the 2000 and 2006 teams?
I am 100% more emotionally invested in the big league club and I catch myself saying things I never thought I would say. Most who know who I am know that I was a die-hard Yankee fan as a kid. Now I schedule my lessons around the playoff schedule to make sure that I’m home in time to watch the first pitch of each Mets playoff game. I sit and watch the players that I’ve been fortunate to speak with in spring training and it’s crazy to see them competing on the biggest stage in the country trying to bring home a ring. As for back in 2000 and 2006 my memories of the Mets are very vague only remembering how the seasons ended.
What do you feel you need to work on this off season in order to refine your game and continue to flourish and progress in the minor leagues?
My goal for this off season is to continue to work with changing speeds. This is something that I have finally scratched the surface with. My last six starts in Brooklyn I was actually pitching with a pulled right groin so I wasn’t able to throw as hard as I normally do. I needed to pitch and finish out the year so with the help of my pitching coach Dave Laroche I figured out a stride that was comfortable enough that way it didn’t hurt and began to pitch at 75%. The outcome actually surprised me. My strikeout totals for the game dropped tremendously but my overall outing was very good. My pitch counts were down and I was pitching to contact more then ever. For the offseason my goal will be to find a middle ground between my 100% and the 75% I was pitching while hurt.
Do you keep in touch with your Dowling teammates and coaches still?
Of course. We actually had our alumni game last Saturday and I got to see most of the people that I played with over the years. That’s one of the best weekends of the fall and I wouldn’t miss it. There are several teammates of mine that I keep in close contact with. Some from my graduating class and some from either the year before me or the year after. I also talk to my head coach at least once a week. I don’t want to lose touch with any of them. They were my family for 4 years and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I can honestly say that if you ask me this question in 10 years I will tell you the same answer. We became a family and that doesn’t go away.
