When you’re a kid from Louisiana, New York must seem like another universe.
People from New York often think that Brooklyn is a completely different universe.
So imagine being Mets’ 2012 first-round draft-pick Gavin Cecchini. Not only is he a Louisiana boy playing in New York, but he’s also getting a close up taste of Brooklyn as the Cyclones’ starting shortstop.
Gavin Cecchini (Photo by Jim Mancari)
But Cecchini said that it really hasn’t been too much of a culture shock, especially since he spent a few weeks in Brooklyn last year for the Cyclones’ playoff run.
“It’s still the game of baseball and I’ve played it all my life, and that’s really all that matters,” Cecchini said. “Playing wise, you just go out and play the game hard to help your teammates out and be there for them, and everything is going to take care of itself.”
Cecchini was excited to be assigned to Brooklyn this season, especially since MCU Park with its new FieldTurf surface and the Cyclones’ fans are among the best in minor league baseball.
“It’s always packed here,” Cecchini said of the Coney Island stadium. “Right now, I don’t want to be anywhere else. This is a great place to play.”
After Hurricane Sandy, Cecchini felt compelled to make a $10,000 donation to the victims. He considers the Mets and all the fans to be his extended family, especially since he is so grateful to the Mets for selecting him in the draft.
“Coming from Louisiana where we always have hurricanes, I needed to do this for my extended family,” he said. “I’ve been there, and I’ve been in this situation that a lot of people are in right now from Hurricane Sandy. So I just felt the need to help out.”
That helpful attitude has made him a favorite amongst his teammates. Cecchini said he hopes to keep getting better and being a good teammate. He’s off to a bit of a slow start with the bat, but if he can go that going, he should have a great summer in Brooklyn.
And as for the culture shock, the game of baseball is played the same way in Brooklyn as it is in Louisiana.
“No matter where I’m at,” Cecchini said. “I’m going to have fun with it.”
