Long after the crowds had dispersed and the lights had gone out at Citi Field, Brandon Nimmo always remained, signing autographs in his idling car for anyone who asked.

For a decade, this was a regular occurrence. Fans could count on Nimmo to sign hats, shirts, baseball cards and other items, as much as they could count on him to reach first base — always getting there with a full-out sprint, never a trot, even when drawing a walk. A kid from Cheyenne, Wyoming, he knew that for many, meeting a professional athlete could inspire a lifetime of fandom.

Come this season, fans will have to go all the way to Arlington, Texas, to find Nimmo. In a stunning Sunday night move, the Mets traded the outfielder to the Texas Rangers for veteran second baseman Marcus Semien.

“These are always tough dec

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