Mets History: Johan Santana’s final Opening Day start in 2012

After missing the entire 2011 season following shoulder surgery, Johan Santana returned to the mound for the 2012 New York Mets right where he belonged: as their Opening Day starter.

It was a big day for the New York Mets history on April 5, 2012. Johan Santana took the mound for the first time in over a year.

Firstly, a bit of background regarding this particular Opening Day. Santana first came to the Mets in a trade from the Minnesota Twins prior to the 2008 season. New York quickly signed the two-time Cy Young Award Winner to a 6-year extension, which would him with the team through 2013.

Throughout Santana’s first three seasons with the Mets, he performed as the same level he did when they…