Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon hits first career homer

— -- SAN DIEGO -- New York Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon's hitting has been celebrated for its comedic value in recent years, especially when his helmet goes flying off his head during his swing.

His hitting might be taken more seriously going forward. Colon launched a two-run homer on a 90 mph fastball from San Diego Padres right-hander James Shields in the second inning Saturday at Petco Park.

The first homer of Colon's career came at age 42 years, 349 days. Colon is the oldest player ever to hit first career homer, unseating Randy Johnson (40 years, 9 days), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

His trot around the bases lasted 30 seconds as teammates erupted in the dugout. As Colon completed circling the bases, his teammates jokingly cleared out of the dugout, so he had no one to high-five once he completed his journey.

The shot into the left-field corner traveled 357 feet and left Colon's bat at a speed of 99.6 mph.

"The impossible has happened," Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen proclaimed on WPIX.

The Padres successfully recovered the baseball so Colon could keep it as a memento.

Colon became the fifth-oldest pitcher ever to homer in a major league game. The only older: Jack Quinn at 46 and Dazzy Vance, Phil Niekro and Warren Spahn at 43.

Shields tied with Kyle Kendrick for the most homers allowed in the majors last season (33).

It has been a noteworthy week for Colon on multiple fronts. He earned career win No. 220 on Monday against the Atlanta Braves, which broke a tie with Pedro Martinez for second among Dominican-born pitchers. Juan Marichal ranks first at 243. Before Saturday's homer, Colon had been 10-for-129 (.078) as a Met.

The only other Mets players to homer at age 42 or older: Julio Franco and Willie Mays.