Bartolo Colon Reveals Origin of 'Big Sexy' Nickname
Bartolo Colon is one of the more universally-beloved players to ever play in Major League Baseball. He is set to turn 47 later this month and the man known as "Big Sexy" signed a deal with a Mexican League team for 2020. He may pitch until he is 50.
The nickname of "Big Sexy" is one that seemed to come out of nowhere. Colon finally revealed how he got the moniker during his time with the New York Mets.
Bartolo Colon in his book, "Big Sexy: In His Own Words," on his nickname:
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) May 7, 2020
"Noah Syndergaard just started calling me Big Sexy in 2015, and the name stuck. I don't think I'm sexy, but if the fans like the name, I like it, too."
Baseball fans have Noah Syndergaard to thank for the nickname. Colon spent three seasons with the Mets from 2014-2016 and even made the All-Star Game in 2016. This came in the latter half of his career when he did put on some pounds, thus receiving the "Big" part of the name. "Big Sexy's" most iconic moment with the team came on May 7, 2016 when he launched his first career home run at the age of 42.
Four years ago today, Bartolo Colon hit an absolute moonshot. pic.twitter.com/dl73NjwZer
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 7, 2020
Colon earned his nickname that day. Not many people can call themselves "Big Sexy" and get away with it.