Santa Claus seems to be a Mets fan.
The workforce hosted its annual youngsters vacation social gathering Thursday within the Piazza Membership at Citi Area, bringing in over 125 college students from Queens elementary colleges for lunch, crafts and performances. It was the ultimate occasion of MetsGiving, the workforce’s winter sequence of group outreach initiatives. The Mets obtained the most important reward final week when outfielder Juan Soto signed on to play in Flushing for 15 years.
The youngsters may need been extra enthusiastic about seeing Santa, however Santa, performed by SNY analyst and former Mets first baseman/catcher Todd Zeile, was enthusiastic about Soto.
“Santa delivered Soto this year, what do you expect?” Zeile mentioned. “I mean, you’ve got to be a Mets fan.”
Having been across the Mets for a number of years, Zeile has seen a number of incarnations of the workforce. The notion has modified drastically over the previous few years, resulting in generational gamers like Soto eager to be part of the motion in Queens.
“I think the aura around the franchise was changing, which enabled the Mets to get Juan Soto,” Zeile mentioned. “I think it’s a kind of double edge, but there’s a lot of excitement. I think there’s still work to do. There is certainly a feeling that the New York Mets are a destination for Major League Baseball players now. And I think that’s something that’s evolved over the last four or five years. Just the way guys want to necessarily be a part of this and the future and the sustainability of a potential winning team is exciting for the Mets and for the Mets fans.”
Zeile reprised his position as Santa for the second time, getting assist from his elves, reliever Reed Garrett and his spouse, Mary. For Garrett, the concept of Soto being on his aspect of issues is good.
He not has to face him on the mound.
“I’m glad we don’t have to pitch to him anymore,” Garrett mentioned. “I think he’s an anchor for our team and he’s going to be somebody who can change a game by himself. And I think he’s just truly an unbelievable talent.”
Garrett crossed paths with Soto in 2022 when he performed for the Washington Nationals. He described him as somebody who leads by instance and mentioned he’s a “great guy” to have within the clubhouse.
Whereas Soto’s new teammates have expressed optimism about having such an impactful hitter within the lineup, they haven’t talked a lot with one another but. With the vacation season in full swing, the Mets are letting each other reset with their households. Nevertheless, Garrett has been in contact with left-hander David Peterson a few fantasy soccer workforce they co-own. Sadly, their season has ended as effectively.
“We put up a good fight,” Garrett joked.
There will likely be loads of time to speak about Soto sooner or later. Thursday, the main focus was on the youngsters.
“Being part of the community and giving back, it’s definitely something special to us,” Garrett mentioned. “I’m glad to be part of this community as well. [The best part was] seeing all the kids smile.”
Initially Printed: December 19, 2024 at 2:35 PM EST
