CINCINNATI — Juan Soto’s Unique Gift from a Young Fan
Recently, Juan Soto received a memorable gift from a young fan after signing autographs in Seattle. Among the items was a Michael Jordan rookie card, which is something often cherished but that’s not all.
He also got a light blue Spider-Man mask. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal to Soto, who had his own mask on the trip.
When the Mets arrived in San Diego, things got playful in the clubhouse. Players started wearing the masks, and a new Mets celebration was born last week, thanks to rookie Carson Benge’s suggestion.
Since this Friday, the trend for players hitting home runs has been to don masks during celebrations in the dugout. They’ve had some fun; the Mets lit up the scoreboard with five home runs over three games against the Braves, eager for more excitement in their Monday opener at Great American Ball Park.
Soto commented, “It hurts a little bit because the sides are a little tight, but it worked.” Four Mets players wore masks at the beginning of Monday’s game: Bo Bichette (twice), Soto, AJ Ewing, and Marcus Semien.
The custom of wearing masks was later succeeded by the Mets’ ritual featuring a construction helmet and orange vest after home runs.
Benge remarked, “You just have to change something. What’s the worst that can happen?” Well, it probably won’t hurt, right?
As the Mets made strides towards the 2024 postseason, they’ve formed a bond around the character Grimas, a purple McDonald figure, which symbolizes their resurgence. They began the game with a record of 32 wins and 39 losses, sitting at the bottom of the National League East and certainly in need of a boost.
“We’re just trying to have fun,” said Semien. “These games can get very serious, so if you can laugh a little, it makes it better.” Interestingly, Manager Carlos Mendoza supports the Spider-Man mask as long as it continues to make an appearance.
Mendoza expressed, “Keep hitting home runs. I like to see that.” Bichette’s success in the Braves series was especially welcomed since the team had been waiting for more consistent production from him.
The Mets also received contributions that may have showcased their best series win this season, given the Braves had the best record in MLB. Their other notable series victory was against the Yankees last month.
“Baseball is fun, but at the end of the day we have to get the job done,” Soto said. “That’s what sometimes breaks up the groove.” He emphasized the need to continue excellent performances.
This team strives to remain healthy, but injuries have been a setback. Recently, Christian Scott went on injured reserve due to a hip impingement. Notably, key players like Francisco Lindor (calf), Jorge Polanco (ankle), and Luis Robert Jr. (back) were absent from the lineup.
However, Lindor is in training in Queens and could make a return as early as next week.
For Soto, the Spider-Man mask holds particular meaning due to his love for superheroes. He even identifies as a Mets fan, with his roots in Queens. “We watched movies and actually played video games,” he shared. “Spider-Man is cool.”
