Santana’s changeup on the lane (Photo: Bill Menzel)

NEW YORK—It was a rather interesting quote; “Venezuelans know how to give back,” said Mets ace Johan Santana as he spoke to the media at his first ever charity event in Manhattan.

Known for his fervor on the field, Santana arrived at Lucky Strikes on W. 42nd St. where ecstatic fans would witness first hand that same intensity in a bowling lane.

Not to be confused with a baseball, ah, the kind of which became pitches that have gotten away – way away from him this season (Photo: Bill Menzel)

Hosting his inaugural ‘Johan Santana All-Star Bowling Classic’, in the NYC area, Santana is determined with one of his agents, Ed Greenburg whose wife died of Melanoma, his teammates and sponsors to “strike” out this deadly form of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the number of new cases is over 63,000.

“The primary reason for this event is to raise funds to help those afflicted with Melanoma,” stated Santana. “To take the message into the community and make others aware of this disease. It’s a great start for my foundation in N.Y. and my hope is to come back every year in order for this event to benefit everyone.”

Santana’s children (love of your offspring; love for other’s and in sum: the community) Photo Bill Menzel

Besides the invited guests and corporate sponsors who came to support this worthy cause, there were a number of Met players present as well. Players such as Angel Pagan, Mike Pelfrey, David Wright, Alex Cora, Henry Blanco, Francisco Rodriguez and Chris Carter mingled, signed autographs and posed for pictures throughout the evening.

Angel Pagan who would otherwise provide offense and defense is part of Santana’s game (Photo Bill Menzel)

Pelfrey, who in 2010 is having a remarkable season, shared his thoughts on Santana.

“He’s a true professional on and off the field,” said Pelfrey. “He’s a leader and when he asked me to come and support him, I can see how passionate he was. I’m here to support my teammate.”

There were also a number of signed silent auction items throughout the venue for participants interested in winning some intriguing sports memorabilia. Prior to the official match-ups, bowlers were allowed to warm-up in their official bowling shirt emblazoned with Santana’s foundation logo and also treated to a variety of tasty appetizers and drinks.

Not a save situation but one who creates silent moments of his own, closer F. Rodriguez (Photo Bill Menzel)

Santana, who admitted he bowled a 160, seems to believe if he’s able to roll a bowling ball effectively he may have similar results to when he’s on the pitcher’s mound. He also happens to have custom-designed ball that resembles a huge baseball. 

When hearing about Santana’s score, Pelfrey smirked. “I saw him practice and I don’t have to worry about him. I bowled a 213 (laughter).”

All in good fun on the field and in the bowling lanes!

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Photo Captions and posting by WGR 

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