Let’s go back to 2014, during a Mets game, a well-known veteran pitcher shook his helmet and jiggled his belly, doing a full “truffle shuffle” on the field. The whole incident was caught on camera, and the internet went crazy. Fans and commentators couldn’t stop laughing, not because he was clumsy, but because he was still so effective, throwing shutout innings and reassuring everyone that he hadn’t lost a stride.

Fast forward to today: the same person shocked the league again, but this time it wasn’t because of something he did on the field. Instead, it was because of an image that the fair-weather world would never expect. He was a legendary pitcher who used to be a symbol of old-school dominance. He had a notable career as a durable and charismatic pitcher, playing over 21 seasons in MLB. He debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1997 and later pitched for 11 other teams. He achieved 247 wins, a 4.12 ERA, and struck out 2,535 batters in 565 games. A four-time All-Star and a Cy Young Award winner. Does it ring a bell?

Okay, the suspense is over! Bartolo Colon is the mastermind behind both the stunner and the truffle shuffle. The twist? Recently, a parody account called @MLBONFAX tweeted a funny Photoshopped picture of him that made him look like an NBA player with exaggerated features, like a Harlem Globetrotter. Colon faced hurtful mockery but responded gracefully, sharing his current weight loss photo. No sarcasm, no retaliation—just undeniable proof. Mic dropped.

His casual reply is what makes this reaction stand out. False narratives and comedic mashups are @MLBONFAX’s specialty. Fans were led to believe that the Mets’ great was now using a basketball instead of a bat in this most recent incident. What Colon demonstrated, though, is that he is still in charge—but only on his terms.

It’s not the first time he has had a mic drop moment. Remember his time with the Mets from 2014 to 2016? He became the team’s foundation with a two-year, $20 million contract in December 2013. He appeared in 31 games and tossed 200 innings in 2014, finishing 15–13 with a 4.09 ERA. Additionally, he led the rotation and pitched vital relief in the Mets’ 2015 NLCS sweep of the Cubs to reach the World Series. And in 2016, he had a season that still lives in the heart of the Mets fans.

In 2016, at 42, he enjoyed his best season with the Mets: 15–8 with a 3.43 ERA, an All-Star nomination, and the gut-wrenching moment when he hit his first (and only) major-league home run. Did you know he became the oldest player to do it at 42 years, 349 days? Mets fans liked him beyond his stats. They admired his toughness, presence, and clubhouse leadership. They called him “Big Sexy” and made him popular in Queens.

And the admiration for him is not limited to the Mets. It goes beyond that.

Why fans fell for the ‘Big Sexy’

Fans loved seeing him strike out batters one pitch at a time, even before he became the league’s senior statesman. He once threw 38 straight strikes, showing off his pinpoint control that felt unjust and reminding you that skill can beat pure strength. Seeing him paint the corners with a peaceful smile on his face was baseball zen at its finest.

It’s not just that. Remember how his popular GIF-ready antics made every game a must-see on TV? It was fun to watch. He became a sensation because of the funny and happy things he did, such as when his helmet flew off, his tummy jiggled like he had eaten a watermelon, or when he unexpectedly sprinted for a pop-up. He was able to remind us that baseball is more than just stats and strategies.

There was definitely grit and discipline on top of the pleasure and style. He was the perfect example of growth and refusal to fade. He pitched well into his 40s, changed his mechanics to be more precise, and even hit his first career home run at age 42. He was hardworking and set a perfect example of “age is just a number.”

But what really sealed the deal was how he acted: he was humorous, humble, put the team first, and always smiled. Bartolo Colon wasn’t just a pitcher in the clubhouse and on the field. He was a mood and a vibe. And that’s what makes him one of the MLB fans’ favorites.