(by Brett Kahn)Nelson Figueroa got to live out his life-long dream last night as he made his first start for a team that not only drafted him, but that he's followed his whole life.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Figueroa graduated Abraham Lincoln High School in 1992. In 1995, the Mets drafted Figueroa in the 30th round of the amateur draft. He then attended Brandeis University and graduated with a degree in American Studies in 1998, while posting a 2.35 ERA during his senior season.
Then, when tragedy struck New York on that fateful day in 2001, Figueroa sold t-shirts to help raise money for the victim's families. He was also named to the International League All-Star team that year as a member of the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Red Barons.
His first major league start didn't come until the age of 26 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He has been in and out of the minors since. However, maybe now things will start to move at a faster pace for a guy used to city life. With his family close by, Figueroa will be sure to add that extra sense of pride and enthusiasm every time he steps out onto that mound in the middle of his hometown.
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