The joy and excitement that accompanies the first call-up of a player’s career isn’t diminished by age.

Ask New York Mets reliever Ken Takahashi.

The 39-year-old left hander isn’t exactly a doe-eyed rookie who’ll get star struck at the sight of superstars like Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran.  No, Takahashi’s 14 years of professional experience with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp makes him one of the most seasoned rookies in the Major Leagues.  

But Takahashi’s mileage doesn’t diminish his initiation into the majors or what he’s accomplished.  After nearly a decade and a half of playing baseball, Takahashi received his first big-league call-up on Sunday night following the Mets 8-1 loss to the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.

Signed to a Minor League contract on March 31 by the Mets, Takahashi’s journey started in February when he was imported into Canada by the Toronto Blue Jays.  After an unsuccessful attempt to win a roster spot through Jays training camp and his subsequent release, the Mets took a chance on the Japanese leftie following Oliver Perez’s poor showing two days ago.

According to MLB.com, Mets skipper Jerry Manuel has indicated that Takahashi may be utilized in a long-relief role.

Takahashi appeared in six games with the Mets’ Triple-A Buffalo affiliate this season, producing a 0.77 ERA in 11 2/3 innings. He allowed 10 hits and six walks and struck out nine. He was 66-87 in 433 games, 160 starts for Hiroshima over his career.

Stay tuned.  We’ll give you an update on Takahashi’s big league debut after it happens.