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Colon calls HR 'the biggest moment' of his career

Denis Poroy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Bartolo Colon has pitched in the majors for 19 years and more than 3,000 innings, but one at-bat stands out as his finest moment.

Talking to reporters following his first career home run, the significance of the feat wasn't lost on Colon.

"I think right now this is probably the biggest moment of my career," he said through a translator.

What's interesting about Colon's home run is the buildup. In his previous start, he roped a line-drive foul ball down the left-field line. For someone whose helmet falls off more often than he makes contact, it was a rare moment.

In his next game, he went yard.

Related: Bartolo Colon hits 1st career home run

It's fair to assume, then, that Colon doesn't take his at-bats seriously. But when asked if he takes his swings more seriously than people give him credit for, Colon said he doesn't take anything for granted.

"When I'm at home plate, the helmet usually flies off but for the most part," he said. "I take it seriously and if the fans have fun with it, I just go with it."

Colon admitted that although he may not hit another home run in his career, it was something he really wanted to cross off his bucket list.

"The three years that I've been here I was chasing one," he said. "Even back in my Montreal days, but I wasn't expecting something like this to happen.

"Today is a day I'm never going to forget."

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