NYSD Q & A With Ty Kelly

After spending most of the 2017 season with both the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies organizations, Ty Kelly came home to the Mets this season. The 29 year-old is still a reserve outfielder, who was called up to fill in after injures decimated the Mets roster. Before the game today, NY Sports Day caught up with the Mets reserve.

NYSD: So, I have to ask you this question. 55 to 56 to now 66. Is 76 next year?

Ty Kelly: I don’t know. I never know I just show up and there’s a jersey here.

NYSD: So, was 56 taken?

TK: Yeah (Assistant Hitting Coach Tom) Slater has it.

NYSD: Was it a little weird to be back after moving on to another organization last year?

TK: It wasn’t as weird as I thought it would be. It was like I took a little break and then I came back home. When I showed up in Spring Training, I said hi to everyone. Once I got past the first day and seeing everyone for the first time, I was just back. It felt more like a break.

NYSD: How different is it with Mickey Callaway running things compared to Terry Collins?

TK: It’s definitely different. They have very different personalities. I haven’t seen a lot of in season stuff. Spring Training is very low key. Not a ton matters, except getting everyone’s bodies ready for the season.

NYSD: Were you surprised to be called up?

TK: I was surprised. You don’t know what’s going to happen. There were times in my career, I was 100 percent certain, I was going to get called up. And then there were times I had no idea and I was called up. You get used to it.

NYSD: How tough is the Vegas shuttle? Particularly with the time difference.

TK: I feel like I’m still adjusting. I feel like the move to Syracuse next year will be met with appreciation with the guys who are up and down constantly, especially the guys in the bullpen. It will definitely make things easier.

NYSD: Last year you played with Israel in the World Baseball Classic. What was that like?

TK: It was amazing. It was just a great experience. I got to go to Israel beforehand. It was an awesome experience and we got some success, so that was cool. I think we got more than anyone expected from us.

NYSD: You are half Jewish?

TK: My mom’s side of the family is Jewish and Kelly is Irish.

NYSD: Would you play again in three years?

TK Yeah definitely, if I am playing in three years. It was honestly such a cool experience to get to play against other countries and playing not just for country, but for religion.

NYSD: So, if Ireland has a team and Israel has a team?

TK: I would play for Team Israel. I had such a great experience the last time around. I would be really cool to have the same guys play. A lot of guys want to play for Team USA, which is understandable. But to play and represent Israel, particularly because there are so many Jewish people around.

NYSD: There were a number of Jewish players on the team that also played for the Mets. Josh Satin was on the team.

TK: Satin was at the Qualifier, but not on the actual team. Josh Zeid is a former Met and Zach Borenstein played in Triple-A.

NYSD: Okay Ty, Appreciate your time.

About the Author

Joe McDonald

Editor-in-Chief
Joe McDonald is the founder and former publisher of NY Sports Day. After selling to i15Media in 2020, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief and responsible for the editorial side of the publication. In the past, Joe was the managing editor of NY Sportscene magazine and assistant editor of Mets Inside Pitch. He has covered the Mets since 2004.

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