In the high-pressure environment of Major League Baseball, maintaining a sense of balance and calm is no easy feat. For Carlos Mendoza, the manager of the New York Mets, finding that equilibrium involves blending the responsibilities of his demanding career with the joys of fatherhood. In an exclusive interview, Mendoza shared insights into his approach to managing both his team and his family, revealing the wisdom and dedication that have come to define his leadership style.
A Balancing Act: Family and Baseball
"So, lots of times during the season it gets tough. How great is that? You're just playing ball with your kids out there. How does that help you to relax and try to, you know, not focus so much on the day-to-day stuff?" I asked Mendoza.
"It's a blessing, you know, and a privilege that I get the opportunity to, you know, bring my kids to the ballpark and kind of like you say, get my mind off and be a dad, you know," Mendoza responded with a smile. "With so much that goes throughout the day, you know, with my responsibilities. But it's always good to have the kids and then be able to come out here on the field and, you know, they love baseball. So, I love having them around and, yeah, this is something that I would never take for granted."
Having coached my own son for many years, I know the challenges of getting children to listen. "Having coached my son for many years, I know a lot of times they don't always listen to their dad. Does being a major league manager, you know, make them listen a little more or do you still have that same father-dad stuff?"
"They've gotten better. I had a hard time, you know, a few years ago, they wouldn't listen, you know. So, I had to go to their baseball coach and tell him, you know, some of the things that I thought they were doing wrong. But as of late, you know, as they get older, they're listening more. But, yeah, it's, you know, the kids being kids. I let them play and, you know, it's keeping it simple," Mendoza shared.
Instilling Confidence and Managing the Team
"And to that end, coaching, managing, being a dad, it's all about, you know, instilling confidence in your children or your players. The other night, what you did with Diekman, you know, how far can that one pitch propel him confidence-wise for the remainder of the season?" I inquired.
"Yeah, it definitely helps, you know. And this is a hard game, you know, and every opportunity that you can get to get your guy going or your team going, give them opportunities, put them in a position where you feel they're going to have success, you know, it always helps. At the end of the day, they've got to go out, they've got to perform. And I was just proud of Diekman in that situation that he was able to come through in that situation. And, yeah, it's huge for him and huge for the whole team," Mendoza explained.
Keeping an Even Keel
"You know, in speaking to the guys, to a man, they say that you are a huge part of them never panicking. And for a first-year manager in New York, you know, it's got to be tough, especially with that start, especially where they were before that team meeting. What is it in you that allows you to keep that even keel?" I asked.
"Look, that's who I am, you know, I've been in this game for a long time. I learned a lot, you know, I'm still in school, you know, like I grew up as a player the old school way. And then when I became a coach, you know, the new way, but at the end of the day, it's a game that is played by human beings, you know, and you always have to make adjustments. You always have to have a feel for the game, for the players, for the situation," Mendoza said.
"I rely a lot on my coaches, you know, and then you prepare, you know, like I feel like every night, every day, I'm going in the games very prepared. And then, you know, we make adjustments. And as far as like dealing with adversity, that's part of 162, man. And you just got to stay consistent. You just got to stay positive. I know we got a really good group here of not only good players, but good people, great people that wants to be here, that wants to win. And at the end of the day, we knew that we had that ability. And here we are in a better position and knowing that and understanding that we still got ways to go," Mendoza added.
Carlos Mendoza's journey from player to coach to manager has been marked by his unwavering commitment to both his family and his team. His ability to blend old-school instincts with modern strategies, all while maintaining a calm and positive outlook, makes him a unique and valuable leader for the New York Mets. As the season progresses, Mendoza's balanced approach will undoubtedly continue to inspire both his players and fans alike.
Here is the full pregame interview with Carlos Mendoza held prior to the Mets-Braves game on 7/25/24:
Comments