Groton native heads to major leagues

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Those who saw Matt Harvey pitch at Fitch High School in Groton figured he'd be Major League bound, and they were right.

Harvey spent some time yesterday getting use to his new surroundings in the big leagues.

His teammates have made the rookie feel right at home.

"Welcome back," said Tim Brydak giving Harvey a smooch.

No longer the Mets top pitching prospect, Harvey is now a big league starter.

"The dream for me was being there, being that guy," said Harvey.

The dream becomes reality on Thursday when Harvey makes his Major League debut in Arizona.

It's a long way from home and his days as a dominant force at Fitch High in Groton, but he says there is one thing that hasn't changed.

"It's kind of been my dream to play Major League Baseball and it's coming true," he said.

That was five years ago. Back then hitters were at the mercy of Harvey and his wide variety of pitches.

"I like striking people out," Harvey said, "that's my goal every time I take the mound."

The fastball and curve were his favorite, but are they big league ready?

After a slow calculated path, which included college ball at North Carolina, Harvey will finally make that slow walk to a Major League mound for a team he grew up watching.

"Growing up, especially this close and CT being such a big baseball town, ya know, you would go to the subway series and watch the Yanks and Mets," he said, "then you have Boston on the other side. It was always fun for me to watch and envision myself on the field at the same time."