Zack Wheeler has had a heck of a year. He finally realized his boyhood dream back in June when he made his MLB debut, against the team he used to root for as a kid (the Atlanta Braves), and in a stadium that was close to his childhood home in Georgia (Turner Field). MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo had an opportunity to chat with Wheeler while sitting in the dugout at Citi Field. Here’s the full interview:

Among some of the topics discussed, Wheeler touched upon his debut and how it felt starting his MLB career in front of a lot of friends and family, the relationship he has with his brothers, his first reaction to hearing he was traded to the Mets, and more.

Even though Wheeler is officially a big leaguer now and no longer a focal point for us here at Mets Minors, it’s such a joy to follow this kid’s career and chronicle it along the way. He’s tallied 76.1 innings in 13 starts with the Mets since getting promoted, and is 6-3 with a 3.42 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. It seems that with each time he takes the mound, he learns something and takes that with him into his next start.

The process of waiting until mid-season to get top pitching prospects a taste of the big leagues before their first full season has definitely been a success. Despite Matt Harvey‘s recent injury, he was a perfect example. Now that Wheeler is also having success, we all know the same course will be taken for Noah Syndergaard next season.

Enjoy the interview! Although it’s sad we no longer have Harvey Days to celebrate in 2013 (and maybe 2014, too), it’s nice knowing the next Wheeler Day is today against the Nationals.