Johan Santana’s no-hitter is the last game Rafael Diaz will watch at Citi Field.
Diaz told reporters that the New York Mets banned him from the stadium after he ran onto the field following the final out of Santana’s gem Friday night.
The Mets would not confirm Diaz’s ban.
Diaz, who was wearing a Gary Carter replica jersey, blended into the pile of players before security pulled him away and wrestled him to the turf. The 32-year-old pilot from Long Island was arrested and charged with misdemeanor trespassing and entering the field of a New York sports event. He spent 38 hours in jail, the New York Post reported.
Diaz said he was just caught up in the emotion of the first no-hitter in franchise history. “I couldn’t help myself,†Diaz told the Post. “I just wanted to be on the mound celebrating the no-hitter.â€
Diaz’s actions also exacted a toll on his family. While he was cooling his heels in a cell with another man who tried to join the fun, Diaz’s son was celebrating his first birthday.
“That’s the bad part,†Diaz told the Post. But while Diaz expressed remorse about the no-show, he didn’t seem too upset about what caused it. He gave a no-comment when asked if he thought his dash was worth the trouble.
The Post reported that 25-year-old Jon Ries attempted to follow Diaz but was intercepted by security as he reached the first-base line. Diaz told the Post that Ries told him: “Bro, I saw you out there, and I had to go.â€
Diaz and Ries, an air-traffic controller who also is from Long Island, are due back in court July 2, according to the Post.
Santana told reporters on Saturday that he had no idea a fan had crashed the celebration.
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