NEW YORK (AP) – Whether it was Wilmer Flores wiping away tears at shortstop or David Wright hitting a home run in his return from the disabled list, the New York Mets’ storybook ride to the World Series this season has been marked by several seminal moments.
Here’s a look back:
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MARCH 3
Wright, the team captain, reprimands prized pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard for eating lunch in the clubhouse during an intrasquad game at spring training. Veteran reliever Bobby Parnell tosses Syndergaard’s plate into the trash, and the encounter becomes back-page fodder for New York newspapers. Syndergaard acknowledges an ignorant mistake, saying he should have been on the bench looking to learn something. Wright apologizes for not realizing reporters were within earshot, and speaks to the youngster twice to ensure no hard feelings. “It wasn’t about work ethic,” manager Terry Collins said. “It was about being a team player.” After Syndergaard makes his major league debut in May, he earns consistent praise from Collins for eagerly soaking up new information that rapidly transforms the fireballer into a polished pitcher.