Mets Engage with Young Fans in Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Mets received a warm welcome from enthusiastic young fans at the Williamsport airport on Sunday, connecting with teams from across the globe involved in the Little League World Series.

Among those excited to meet the players was Carlos Mendoza, who discovered that the Venezuela team was from his hometown, Barkisimetho, just before the Mets departed from New York. “I mentioned to my coach and the kids that I used to play on that little league field,” he shared before the Mets’ game against the Mariners at Bowman Field’s Little League Classic. “It brings back so many memories.”

Mendoza noted that while the Venezuelan team wasn’t aware of their connection, he had ties to some of their coaches.

However, as impressed as the Venezuelan players were by Mendoza, his experiences paled in comparison to the excitement of meeting the players themselves. “There’s a lot happening, and just when you’re chatting with a kid, Juan Soto walks by,” Mendoza laughed, reflecting on how quickly the interaction changed.

The Mets enjoyed their time at the Little League Complex, where they spent part of the morning and afternoon ahead of their game. Edwin Diaz entered to a “Narcos” warm-up song at the airport, and Francisco Lindor interacted with the Puerto Rican team.

Brett Baty and Sean Manaea, among others, took part in the tradition of sliding down the hills in cardboard boxes at the complex. While they didn’t partake in LLW themselves, Baty and Manaea grew up watching it. “I always loved tuning in this time of year,” Baty remarked. “August rolls around, and I just park on the couch to watch.”

As for the sliding, Baty admitted, “It was much steeper than I expected. That was a bit rough.” He added, “There were some thoughts that crossed my mind, but I was okay coming down.”

Manaea noted that he wasn’t viewing the experience through a player’s perspective. “I’ve always wanted to be here, just soaking everything in,” he said, appreciating all the excitement the event had to offer.

The players exchanged trading pins as they engaged with others at the tournament. Reflecting on their arrival, Baty commented on the welcoming energy, “You could see the joy in their faces as soon as we got off the bus.”

Baty was also present during the pre-game introductions at the complex, where he noticed the nerves of the young players. “This is their World Series, and you can really see what they’re going through,” he said.