ARCHIVE: Hopewell's Panik adds memories to impressive year

Editor's note: Joe Panik returns to New York Friday as his San Francisco Giants start a three-game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Let's take a look back at Panik's most recent trip to the Big Apple as a big leaguer last season.

Extend your league-leading hit streak, drill a home run before a gaggle of screaming friends and relatives, and contribute to your rookie teammate's stunning no-hitter against the New York Mets.

So, Joe Panik, where does Tuesday night rank among your most memorable?

"It's in the top five," the Giants second baseman from Hopewell Junction said matter-of-factly.

Panik's homecoming tour concludes Thursday, as the Giants face the Mets in the last of their three-game series. It is the only series the John Jay High School graduate is scheduled to play in the New York area this season.

A performance such as Panik's on Tuesday, and being part of a historical feat in a homecoming, would be a clear cut No. 1 moment for most ballplayers. But for Panik, thrilling moments have become the routine and the last year has featured a series of "pinch-me" instances.

In fact, Tuesday might not have even offered the greatest rush in the last week alone.

The Giants, on June 4, visited the White House, where they were honored by President Barack Obama for winning the World Series last fall. Later that day, Panik even got himself a cheese steak from the famous Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia.

Naturally, he was again asked to do some ranking.

"Hmmm, that's tough," Panik said, smiling as he paused a few seconds. "The White House is special, when you think of the significance and the history. It's amazing to be welcomed in there. But Geno's was really fulfilling, too. When you're hungry, a cheese steak is awesome."

If you're wondering, Panik said that winning the World Series and the victory parade are his favorite moments, both of which he described as "pure joy."

And in only his second return to New York as a big leaguer on Tuesday, he witnessed teammate Chris Heston pitch a no-hitter against the Mets. Panik certainly hasn't been jaded, but he did also have a front-row seat for Tim Lincecum's no-no last year on June 25, starting at second base a few days after his call-up from the minors.

"Some of the things I've experienced so far are incredible," Panik said. "It's unbelievable sometimes."

Panik also has earned himself All-Star consideration this season. He homered again on Wednesday, extended his hit streak to 14 games, and entered the game among the National League leaders with a .318 average.

"It would be a huge honor because to be a Major League All-Star means you're one of the best in the world," Panik said of the possibility of being selected for the game. "But I have to keep going. I might be doing well in the middle of June, but you want to be doing well in September and October. The job's not finished."

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4826, Twitter: @StephenHaynes4