Jose Reyes Booed by Mets Fans in Return to New York

Former Mets star Jose Reyes was greeted with mainly boos in his first visit to New York’s Citi Field after signing a $106 million, six-year deal with the Miami Marlins in December.

Reyes, who played shortstop for the Mets from 2003-2011, lead off the game with a shot to deep left center field but was robbed on the play by Mets’ rookie Kirk Nieuwenhuis who snagged the ball with a leaping grab at the 385 sign.

“I thought I had it,” Reyes said of his first at-bat in a post game interview. “I guess not.”

Jose, a 4-time MLB All-Star and 2011’s NL batting champion, finished the game hitless in four trips to the plate, as the Mets defeated the Marlins 2-1. The 28-year-old’s 0-4 night dropped his average for the season to .215.

Following the game, Reyes talked to reporters about the significant amount of boos he received from his former fans.

“It doesn’t surprise me because I play for another team now,” Reyes said. “Like I said, no hard feelings. I just tried to win this game, but unfortunately we lost it. … When I stepped on the field, it was kind of unreal for me, but after the first inning, it all goes away and you just focus on playing baseball.”

While Reyes was unfazed by the heckling, Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said some of it was undeserved.

“You’re in New York, some people are going to love him, some people are going to hate him. I like when people boo,’’ Guillen said. “That means they are into the game. But I think Jose gives them everything he had in his career, and whoever cheers for him, God bless them.”

Jose Reyes and Miami Marlins take on the Mets again tonight at 7:10pm for game 2 of the teams’ 3-game series at Citi Field. Highlights for game 1 can be seen at ESPN.

Check out the crowd’s reaction to Jose Reyes’ first at-bat in his return to Citi Field below: