Dominic Smith had that breakout season for the Mets and it was a matter of time. The timing, though, during a 60-game season worked to his advantage when Yoenis Cespedes opted out and left town due to COVID options.
Regardless of the circumstances, it was a matter of time. Because to those around baseball, Dominic Smith with more playing time was going to display his capabilities. The slash line .316/.377/.616 and OPS of .993 along with 10 home runs, 42 RBI, fourth in the NL in slugging and OPS, fifth in RBI, eighth in batting.
The team leader in extra base hits, Smith also finished second in doubles (21) to Freddie Freeman (23) in the league.
And Wednesday MLB announced finalists for the 2020 Hank Aaron Award, Smith is among seven in the National League. Seven others also are finalists in the American League that are given to the most outstanding offensive player in each league.
“I am happy for Domo,” said teammate J.D. Davis when contacted by MMO. “He deserves every bit of this award. The amount of time and work he has put in over this past year or two is paying off.”
Davis also said, “I can see him winning a batting title and being an all star when his career is all said and done. He is not only a great player but an even better teammate. He is one of the cornerstones of our clubhouse.”
You get a similar reaction from more players in that clubhouse. Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Michael Conforto and others all gravitate to Smith and admire his work ethic and leadership.
Davis and Smith, though, are brothers in that room. They spend time together on and off the field and this season shared an apartment. And, yes it was the work and time that Dominic Smith put in to have that breakout season.
Indeed, a finalist for the Hank Aaron Award is special. And there are many in baseball that awaited the coming of 25-year old Dominic Smith. The Mets were patient even as other teams looked at Smith in various trade talks.
Opposing scouts watched his development. They said Smith had a natural swing and the ability to hit for the extra base.
Okay. I will admit this can be partial in giving the support to Smith for the award over Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Corey Seager, and Juan Soto. All had an outstanding season and deserve the honor.
The list of players was compiled by a panel of MLB.com writers and all 30 teams nominated one player to be considered for the 2020 award. It says something that Smith got the support from teammates and the Mets organization.
It says something, and again being partial here, they know how hard it was for Dominic Smith to have the breakout season that was earned. The award does not account for leadership in the clubhouse. It does not account how Smith has been outspoken and with leadership regarding. racial inequality.
Those efforts, including a foundation were established by Smith to enhance youth and baseball, and perhaps he will be rewarded soon with the annual Jackie Robinson recognition.
The Hank Aaron Award was established in 1999 to honor the 25th anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time MLB home run record and fans will have an opportunity to vote.
Allow me to reflect. Two years ago, Smith was doing his pre-game drills at Citi Field with Andre Ward the former light heavyweight boxing champion. Ward, who I have proudly known from the boxing beat, was discussing boxing and baseball.
There was Dominic Smith in the discussion. They discussed the similarities of how two sports are with mental and physical preparation. There it was, a beginning of understanding how the dedication and preparation is a daily routine for Smith.
It was that night at Citi Field and the understanding what it takes to become a viable MLB player. Ward, then, said the mentality would soon earn Smith many accolades in the years to come.
To that, Smith said, “This is all I ever wanted to do. Be the best at what I can do and help my team win a championship.” Then, Smith heard about the trade talks and said he was comfortable in New York. He hoped to be a New York Met for a long time.
So it is. Dominic Smith deserves the recognition. Partial or not, he would get my vote.
