'Can't wait to rewrite our story': Mets introduce new manager Carlos Beltrán
NEW YORK — At one point during his introductory news conference, Carlos Beltrán asked to say a few words in Spanish for those back home in Puerto Rico. As he began to do so, he became emotional.
He soon apologized for tearing up a tad. He explained that, in Spanish, he talked about the kids from his academy in Puerto Rico and how he sees their passion and desire to achieve their dreams.
"Fight for your dreams," he said was his message. "If I was able to have a good career and be in the position I am today, there is no doubt that anyone out there can do it."
On Monday at Citi Field, the Mets welcomed Beltrán back home. They didn't opt for an experienced manager, but this name is as splashy as it gets around Queens.
Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said there were five things that separated Beltrán:
1. He's poised: "Carlos can command a room when he walks in."
2. He's trustworthy: "It was important for all of us in the ownership group and the baseball operations department to feel like we could exhale when we walked into the manager’s office. We didn’t want to inhale in anticipation of the conversations."
3. He has a growth mindset: "Carlos knows what he doesn’t know, and he’s willing to acknowledge it. Most importantly, Carlos has a curiosity to learn more and to grow."
4. Carlos wants to beat his opponent: "He looks at the little things."
5. Carlos has an unrivaled appreciation and understanding of players: "Carlos has lived what our players are living right now."
Beltrán's wife and three children were present. In front of a large crowd, the organization welcomed back one of its own.
"I just can't wait," Beltrán said, "to rewrite our story as the manager of the New York Mets."