When you think of the player that made you fall in love with the game of baseball, who do you think of? The answer to this question will likely depend on your age, where you grew up, your family, and so on — which makes it an interesting question to pose. This is why I asked the MMO team to share theirs.
Are any of ours your player, too?
Mojo
It’s hard for me to pick just a single player who made me fall in love with the game of baseball, because there’s been so many, and for so many different reasons that have shaped how I have become the baseball fan that I am today.
Growing up in L.A., I was always fascinated by Clayton Kershaw and how he could be so dominant and unique and perfect, and that certainly steamrolled my interest in the game. But my love for minor league baseball, as well as the more subtle, fundamental areas of the game, actually stemmed from Gavin Cecchini, right around the time he was in Vegas and making lots of errors. Admittedly, I almost died from laughing when he made three errors in a single game and 33 on the season, and I would tune into the Vegas game every night just to see if my boy Gavin was going to make another error. Almost by accident, I ended up becoming familiar with the entire 51s lineup and pitching staff, which sparked my interest to start tagging along with my dad to see these players in person, and even meet some of them, who were surprisingly nice. There’s too many to list, but a few that stuck out as being kind were Victor Cruzado, Kyle Regnault, Buddy Baumann, and Pete Alonso.
So because Kershaw was the first major league player I followed closely, and Cecchini was the first prospect I followed closely, I’ve got to go with them, but there’s also been plenty of others such as Brandon Nimmo, Mets legend David Wright, and Jeff McNeil (and a million others) who have provided a wide array of memories and experiences, both good and bad, that have shaped my love for the game.
Sal
When I think of the player who made me fall in love with baseball, the answer is a pretty easy one — it was the great Mike Piazza. Besides sharing our Italian heritage, Piazza always played the game hard and would do anything to win, which was hard not to love. As a kid I was obsessed with his swing, specifically the natural power to the opposite field Piazza possessed. Even on some (really bad) teams, the slugger seemingly never give up an at bat or mailed it in, representing the tough New York mentality that we all love. Even though he was a superstar, Piazza never made himself bigger than the game, doing his talking with his bat and beating his opponents. I was lucky enough to watch the greatest hitting catcher of all-time in his prime for my favorite team, so for that I am thankful because it made me into the baseball addict I am today!
Marissa
I am going to go with Carlos Beltran. While I don’t have much memory of my fandom when I was younger, my dad tells me stories about how he became my favorite. One that sticks in particular is him loving Beltran himself because he was a lot less streaky than Wright (who happens to be his favorite). His story goes on to say that him hyping up Beltran rubbed off onto me and got me to fall in love with the game of baseball even more than I already was. Of course he was also a very good center fielder in his prime, so I’d like to think that had something to do with it as well
Violeta
Even though I know he’ll be one of – if not the most – popular choice, I have to go with David Wright because he truly was the player that solidified my love for baseball. His first full year in the majors, 2005, was the first year I remember actually paying attention to the Mets and getting into baseball as a whole. From then on – especially after the Mets’ 2006 playoff run – I was sold.
The reason why Wright was that player for me mainly has to do with the way he carried himself. Obviously, he was a talented player – good bat, good glove, good instincts and knowledge of the game – but it was his attitude and the way he approached each game that stood out. He appeared dedicated to improving where he could. He seemed to just know how to be a leader on and off the field. Lastly and maybe most importantly, he always seemed to have a positive attitude – even as injuries plagued his career towards the very end. For those reasons alone, I had to go with the Captain.
Laney
This is an easy one for me. As a kid, the one player that always drew me in was David Wright. He was my first jersey, first idol and a big reason why I want to work in sports. Watching him was like magic and hearing him speak after games made the losses feel okay. I’m forever grateful for the captain.
Tatiana
I grew up going to games with my family all the time because I lived so close to Shea stadium/citifield but it was never enough to get me fully invested. Even as I got older and I went with my friends I loved watching, but I hadn’t fallen in love yet. Then there was a game on April 18th 2018 where I was supposed to go with friends but they cancelled so I went alone. Through most of the game we were losing to the Nationals until Cespedes came up to the plate in the bottom of the 8th and hit a three run home run, this then started a series of runs that won us the game by a long shot. Ever since then I went to any game my mom would let me go to most of which I would go to alone. After years of going to games more as a social event, Cespedes finally got me hooked.
Matt
For me, the answer is easy. David Allen Wright. Growing up with the Captain at the hot corner was nothing short than a privilege. Growing up and only being a baseball fan, I was hard pressed to find a player that fit the mold of a consistent, impactful, and delightful player. Wright was my only choice, but yet, it was a choice that I never regretted.
Wright was a good ballplayer, undoubtedly. Everyday, he was due to contribute a couple of hits and make a bare-handed play at third, tongue wagging all over the place. But the thing was, he was a better person, which stuck with me. No matter what, he emerged the dugout everyday with a smile on his face, eager to reclaim his spot as baseball’s top third-baseman. Not many New York players have lived up to the expectations set upon them on Day 1; Wright was an exception.
Spinal Stenosis never met such a warrior as Wright, who routinely traveled to the ballpark hours before gametime to ensure he was game-ready. As a college athlete myself, I’m always trying to emulate his gametime mentality: produce on the field, but have fun doing so. And yes, David is 100% the reason I worn No.5 for the last half-decade.
Sam
As a kid, I idolized two Mets players: David Wright and Carlos Beltran. Obviously, the two went their separate ways when the Mets traded. Beltran in 2011, but growing up they were my favorite Mets. The two were—and still are—talented, humble, and passionate about baseball and that love and dedication really rubbed off on me at an early age. I remember growing up, my first shirsey was a pink Beltran shirt. I also had two posters on my walls of them, which just speaks to how much I admired them. The two played together on the incredible ‘05 and ‘06 teams and as a little 5 and then 6 year old, I was in awe of their talent.
Michelle
Is is possible to be a ’90s kid and not choose Mike Piazza? I was just seven years old when he debuted with the Mets and man, did he change the game for me. He came to the Mets, worked hard, led the team to victories, showed us that catchers can hit, and that you don’t have to let fame get to your head. It was evident to anyone watching Piazza that he loved the game and that he was constantly hungry to win. As a kid, this was contagious. It made an impact. Plus, there was also that feeling of hope that he provided — you were hopeful and comforted any time he stepped up to the plate. It just made everything better, especially while growing up.
Marshall
I’ll gladly date myself for this response but is an easy choice for me. Tom Seaver (and Joe Namath) were the only idols I ever had in my entire life. Tom Terrific spoiled me every fourth or fifth day with his dazzling performances. He, along with my dad, of course, taught me the game. I just got spoiled very early in life because as an 8 year old, the Mets won the World Series. I had to wait awhile to my next championship, but that mattered little because I was hooked. Tom made be bleed orange and blue and I just hope and pray he grows old peacefully with his loved ones. To me, if it wasn’t for The Franchise there wouldn’t be a franchise.
