Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon ends historic drought with 1st walk

PHOENIX -- Bartolo Colon is having a big season at bat.

First, that unforgettable home run, and now -- at last -- a walk.

The 43-year-old New York Mets pitcher drew the first base on balls of his career Monday night against Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray. It came in Colon's 282nd plate appearance over 19 major league seasons.

No other player in big league history had appeared at the plate that many times without a walk, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

With a full count in the fourth inning, Colon took a high fastball from Ray and strolled to first base.

The right-hander lasted four innings and left trailing 5-2.

Back on May 7, Colon was 17 days shy of his 43rd birthday when he connected for a stunning drive off James Shields in San Diego, becoming the oldest player to hit his first major league home run.