20-Game Winner R.A. Dickey Recounts His ‘Special’ Day, Hopes To Be A Part Of Mets’ Solution

20-Game Winner R.A. Dickey Recounts His ‘Special’ Day, Hopes To Be A Part Of Mets’ Solution

Congratulations to R.A. Dickey. The New York Mets right-hander became the first knuckleballer to win 20 games in more than three decades. Dickey had never won more than 11 games in any previous season and became the Mets’ ace this season. His numbers speak for themselves at 20-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 222 strikeouts.It’s been another dreadful season to forget for the Mets, but Dickey has been the one positive for the team this year outside of Johan Santana’s no-hitter. Mets fans are hoping Dickey can win the Cy Young Award and also be a big part of this team’s future for years to come.R.A Dickey joined WFAN in New York with Mike Francesa to discuss throwing 128 pitches to earn his 20th victory this season, not being distracted by the attention surrounding his 20th win, Mets fans’ supporting him, everything going his way this year, his chances of winning the Cy Young Award and his future with the New York Mets.

Congrats on the 20th win. This has been a great season for you personally. You had 128 pitches today. That is going into the tank, huh?

“Well that is gong deep into the tank. It was a special day. We wanted to make it about the fans as well as any accomplishment that I was going to get. I tried to give them all I could myself and it ended up working out.”

Were you uptight? Did you push it? Was it hard to concentrate knowing that you wanted that 20th win?

“I wanted it a lot. Sure. I felt like I was still in control. I didn’t feel like it took me out of where I needed to be, but I certainly had the hopes that we could have a day like we had and be able to experience it with the fans at Citi Field in front of the guys. It was a special event.”

You winning 20 games this season and going for the Cy Young Award has meant a lot to Mets fans:

“It’s certainly a thrill for me to get to celebrate with them [the Mets fan base]. Ever since I have gotten here, the fans have been incredibly loyal and praised me with open arms. I mean, it certainly helps to be successful. I’ve never had a fan say derogatory things. … I know there’s another side of the coin, but to able to be in this moment, at this particular moment, given the season that we have had, it’s been incredible to get to share and celebrate with the guys.”

What does it mean now that you have won 20 games?

“It’s a nice number for one thing. Two, it’s the bar that unites a lot of great pitchers, or at least great pitching seasons by that number. I’ll be the first one to admit that I am not a self-made man and you have to have a lot of things go well for you in a season like this, and I’ve had great defense. The guys have hit for me when I pitch. It might have been that great defensive play that maybe you don’t get the year before or the umpire makes a call for you. So many things have to go right for a season to happen like it’s happened for me and I am certainly aware of that.”

What do you think you have to do in order to win that Cy Young Award?

“I don’t know Mike. That’s for all the guys to vote on. I have no idea what the criteria might be. I think it’s personal depending on who the voters may be, but maybe I’ve done all I can do. I don’t know. I got one more start and hopefully it’ll go swimmingly and the statistics will be able to speak for themselves.”

Are you looking to accept a contract here for the next three or four years and have the Mets build around you?

“Yeah, I certainly would love to be a part of the solution here. I think David and I both would. We’ll see how the offseason goes and you never know what the Mets are thinking. You never know what their ultimate plans are. I’ve loved it here. I felt a real loyalty to this place and the fan base here. I’m hoping to be back.”