Joey Wong in action for the Perth Heat.
Camera IconJoey Wong in action for the Perth Heat. Credit: Supplied/SMP Images

Baseball: former Perth Heat shortstop Wong signs minor-league deal with New York Mets

Edward NixonComment News

FORMER Perth Heat shortstop Joey Wong has signed a minor-league deal with the New York Mets.

The 30-year-old will join up with the Mets’ Double-A side Binghamton Rumble Ponies and could make his debut on Tuesday (US time) against the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Having played in the Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners organisations since 2009, Wong started the 2018 season in Independent Ball with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, where he was hitting .239 with five RBIs in 18 games before signing with the Mets this week.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Heat chief executive Lachlan Dale said Wong’s signing reflected the nature of professional baseball.

“It’s cut-throat. Only the strongest survive,” he said.

“Joey’s been on the cusp of the Major Leagues in the past – hopefully he can get back to that form for the Mets organisation.”

The Chinese international has a wealth of experience in the minor leagues, having amassed 775 appearances, including 130 in 2017.

As well as this, Wong became a fan-favourite during his two stints with Perth between 2013-15 and then again in 2016-17.

Wong is a career .263 hitter in the Australian Baseball League, including standout years in 2013-14 where he hit .290 and 2014-15 where he batted at .301.

Wong’s performances in 2013-14 earned him ABL Championship Series MVP honours as he guided the Heat to the Claxton Shield.

MORE: Westfield Carousel set to introduce paid parking

MORE: Cockburn issues poo warning after human faeces found in Aubin Grove bushland

MORE: Perth weather: cold front brings severe weather warning