Nice To Be Back At Citi Field To Deliver Gifts To 2025 LatinoMVP Finalists

Image Credit: George Napolitano/Latino Sports

FLUSHING, NY — Yesterday, I attended my first MLB game in approximately two months after dealing with a series of credential issues at the beginning of the season, along with personal health challenges that kept me away from New York while I recuperated in my homeland, Puerto Rico.

My goal for the day was to present our commemorative LatinoMVP shirts to four players—Bo Bichette, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Freddy Peralta—who each appeared on the 2025 LatinoMVP ballot. Appearing on the ballot is a prestigious honor in itself. Now in its 36th year, the LatinoMVP Awards are often considered the Latin Grammys of baseball, and earning a place on the ballot is a significant achievement.

I must admit that returning to Citi Field felt a bit like Opening Day. When you’ve covered Mets games for decades, you develop relationships with many people throughout the organization—not only players and executives, but also the often-overlooked employees such as security personnel and cafeteria staff.

From picking up my daily credential to entering through the media entrance, walking through the clubhouse, and eventually stepping onto the field, it felt like a reunion with old friends. Many asked where I had been, while others simply walked over to shake my hand and welcome me back.

I experienced the same warm reception from several players I have known for years, not only through interviews but also through the LatinoMVP Awards. Many have either won the award or appeared on our widely recognized and respected ballot.

The first player I encountered in the Mets clubhouse was Bo Bichette, whom I had not seen since his days with the Toronto Blue Jays. As I entered the clubhouse, I immediately noticed Bo sitting in front of his three lockers, located just to the right of the entrance. Having multiple lockers is usually reserved for star players who require extra space for equipment, apparel, and the many pairs of cleats/shoes that come with major league life.

When Bo saw me, he smiled, and we exchanged a warm hug. I apologized for not welcoming him to New York on Opening Day and explained the circumstances that had kept me away. As always, Bo was gracious. Rather than talking about baseball, he was more concerned about my health and asked how I was doing.

I presented him with his 2025 LatinoMVP shirt and congratulated him on once again appearing on the ballot. I asked if he would be willing to come out during batting practice so we could take a photo with the shirt. Bo is one of those rare players who always makes time for the media and never forgets his commitments.

True to his word, after batting practice he returned to the clubhouse, retrieved the shirt, and came back out so we could take a photograph. I congratulated him again and reminded him of our first meeting, when we informed him that because his mother is Brazilian, he qualified for consideration on the LatinoMVP ballot. He smiled, remembered the conversation, and said he looks forward to one day winning the award.

Next, I greeted Francisco Lindor, a two-time LatinoMVP (2016: AL & 2024: NL), whose locker is located near the entrance on the opposite side of the clubhouse. Like Bo, Francisco greeted me warmly with a hug and immediately asked about my absence. After I explained my situation, he asked how I was feeling and I told him that returning to Puerto Rico to recuperate had been one of the best decisions I could have made. He smiled and knew exactly what I meant.

I could see he was preparing for the game, so I kept the conversation brief and reminded him that I would like to sit down with him for an interview at a future date. He agreed.

From there, I made my way to the far end of the clubhouse where Juan Soto was stationed. I walked over to present him with his gift. He appeared pleasantly surprised, perhaps not informed that not only had he appeared on this year’s prestigious LatinoMVP ballot, but that he had won the 2025 National League LatinoMVP Award.

We had a wonderful conversation about his third LatinoMVP career milestone (2021: NL, 2024: AL & 2025: NL). He was appreciative and reflective as we discussed the recognition. That interview will be featured in a separate article later this week.

The final player on my list was Freddy Peralta, winning the NL LatinoMVP Pitcher of the Year Award in 2024. Unfortunately, he was not in the clubhouse when I arrived, and I patiently waited, hoping to see him before the media was asked to leave, as clubhouse access is limited before games.

Eventually, I spotted Freddy standing in front of his locker. He immediately recognized me and came over to shake my hand. He also greeted two representatives from the MLB Players Association, whom he knew as well.

After asking about my health, I told him I had come to present him with a gift for once again appearing on the LatinoMVP ballot. I handed him a small gift bag wrapped in decorative paper. 

One of the MLBPA representatives jokingly asked him to show everyone what was inside. Freddy looked into the bag, removed the wrapping paper, and pulled out the shirt. Smiling, he proudly held it up for everyone to see, giving me the perfect opportunity to take a photograph.

He then asked when the award winners would be announced and reminded him that the winners had already been announced in April.

Without missing a beat, Freddy replied, “I don’t need to know who won—I already won one.”

Everyone laughed.

I smiled and told him, “You’re a good pitcher. You never know (in the future).”

It was a pleasure returning to Citi Field and once again spending time in the clubhouse, where so many stories begin long before the first pitch is thrown. Being back amongst the players, coaches, and staff reminded me why I have loved covering this game for so many years.

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