Carlos Mendoza has not traveled the journey alone.
After the Mets lost out on the Craig Counsell sweepstakes, they quickly named Mendoza, a former bench coach on the Yankees, as their new manager.
During his introductory press conference on Tuesday at Citi Field, Mendoza effusively thanked his wife, Francis, for giving up her career and life in their native Venezuela to support his baseball endeavors.
“You gave up everything in life,” Mendoza began.
“I remember having this conversation with you: ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ You gave up your career as a dentist back in Venezuela.
“Your mom, your sister and all the people that you love, and you said, ‘I’m going to do this with you.’
“And here we are, Francis. I love you so much, and I can’t wait for this new chapter in our lives.”
Mendoza also thanked their sons, Adrian and Andres.
“Thank you for being there and for understanding daddy’s away from home for a long time. One thing I’m gonna tell you is now you’re coming home — to New York,” Mendoza said.
He said that his sons asked him if they will be able to practice on the field at Citi Field now that he is manager, and that “the answer to that is yes — you’re coming with me, and you’re gonna get to spend some time in practice as well.”
Elsewhere in the press conference, Mendoza expressed appreciation and optimism for his job as Mets skipper.
“Man, this feels good,” Mendoza said, as he donned his new Mets uniform for the first time.
“It feels great. This is a great day. It’s a special day for me, my family and the Mets organization.“For me, it’s an honor and a privilege to be wearing this uniform.”
According to SNY, Mendoza will be earning $1.5 million per year over three years, with an option for 2027.
