In July 2015, the New York Mets signed 16-year-old Venezuelan shortstop Andres Gimenez for a $1.2 million signing bonus. This was a big signing for the Mets, as Ben Badler of Baseball America had recently ranked him as the second-best international prospect behind only Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at the time (the list omitted Cuban players). For the young Gimenez, being signed by a major league club...
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** This interview was conducted with Josh Smoker in early January, prior to him being designated for assignment on January 26.** When Josh Smoker made his major league debut with the New York Mets back on August 19, 2016, at the age of 27, he knew how difficult the road had been to make it there. Smoker, a former supplemental first-round pick of the Washington Nationals back in 2007, overcame...
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Following the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which leveled Puerto Rico in late September, destroying homes, the power grid and leading to a continually rising fatality count, celebrities and athletes donated their time and wealth to help aid in the rebuilding process for the island. Understanding the gruesome reality of what had been done to Puerto Rico, former Mets backup catcher Rene...
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Throughout baseball history there are certain players who make a quick ascent to the majors, ready to dominate and live out a dream they’ve had since childhood. These players are few and far between, as the maturity factor and lack of experience can instantly overwhelm young athletes. Then there’s the case of Dwight Gooden. Selected fifth overall by the New York Mets in the 1982 MLB...
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Imagine, if you will, being selected in the MLB Draft out of high school, filled with optimism and excitement over beginning one’s arduous journey through the minor leagues. Through all the preparation, drills, workouts and periods of extreme ups coupled with long stretches of self-doubt, the one constant that remains is such: make it to the major leagues. Commitment and the drive to...
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