Jonathon Joseph Niese (born October 27, 1986) is an American former professional baseball pitcher.

[1] In 2004 and 2005, he was named the state's baseball Player of the Year, becoming the first athlete to win the award in consecutive seasons.

In the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft, the Mets chose Niese 209th overall (ninth pick of the seventh round).

It was the first time in Mets history that a pitcher gave up a home run to the first batter he faced in his career.

On May 6, Niese was called up from Triple-A Buffalo Bisons to replace the injured starting pitcher Oliver Perez.

On July 25, Niese replaced the injured Fernando Nieve in the starting rotation pitching seven innings and giving up only one run against the Houston Astros.

After the game Mets' catcher Rod Barajas said (about Niese) "I can't tell you how impressive and how good this guy can be."

[13] Niese enjoyed much success nearing the end of August, compiling an 8–5 record with a 3.33 ERA over his first 23 starts.

Before the season began Niese had rhinoplasty performed at the expense of former teammate Carlos Beltrán, who offered to pay for the procedure.

[17] On September 29, Niese completed his final game of the season with seven innings of one-run ball against the Atlanta Braves, finishing with a 13–9 record and 3.40 ERA.

[citation needed] Niese was named the Mets opening day starter for 2013 due to an injury to Johan Santana.

[21] Upon returning from the injury, he performed well in 66 innings pitched but was forced back on the DL again in early July.

[22] In a game on April 24 in the Subway Series at New Yankee Stadium in which Niese was not scheduled to appear, he was ejected from the dugout for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Doug Eddings during a Juan Lagares plate appearance.

The next day, the Mets placed him on the disabled list and announced that he would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his knee.

[26] Following the season, the Mets declined their option on Niese's contract, paying him a $500,000 buyout and granting him free agency.

[32] On April 1, 2019, Niese was drafted by the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball at the 2019 ALPB Player Showcase.

[36] On March 26, 2012 Cardinals center fielder and ex-teammate Carlos Beltran paid $10,000 for Niese to get a nose job.