Mets fans have a fan in the team’s manager.
Carlos Mendoza spent six seasons as Yankees coach and became immersed in Bronx culture over six seasons and over the past year has gotten to understand the fan base in Queens.
So how does Mendoza feel about Mets fans?
“I love [them],” Mendoza said Wednesday before the Mets eliminated the Phillies with a 4-1 win in Game 4 of the NLDS at Citi Field. “They’re intense. They live and die on every pitch, every play, every game. I think they feel it as much as we do, and they want it as much as we want it. It’s a privilege, man.”
Much of Mendoza’s appreciation stems from the support the Mets received during the regular season’s stretch run and the charged atmosphere for Game 3 of the NLDS.
“When you watch this building the way it was not only [Tuesday] night but for the past month or so, it comes from their heart,” Mendoza said. “It feels like it’s a family, not only inside the building but outside. Like the way Francisco Lindor calls them, ‘Mets Nation.’ They’re amazing.
“It is a privilege, man, to be able to not only manage this team but connect with the fan base. It’s hard for me to describe. I couldn’t ask for a better fan base, to be honest with you.”
Jeff McNeil is planning to appear in the Arizona Fall League on Friday and Saturday.
The utilityman, who is rehabbing a fractured right wrist, likely will be added to the NLCS roster if his Arizona stint is successful.
Follow The Post’s coverage of the Mets in the postseason:
- Mets overcome arch rival Phillies to advance to NLCS as Lindor hits game-winning grand slam
- Francisco Lindor lights Citi Field on fire with wild go-ahead Mets grand slam
- Mets catch break on controversial Phillies foul ball
- Heyman: Mets have real chance to turn Amazin’ party into World Series run
McNeil normally would have headed to Port St. Lucie for simulated games, but that option wasn’t available with Hurricane Milton wreaking havoc in Florida.
By ending the series on Wednesday, the Mets have plenty of options for aligning their NLCS rotation, as Luis Severino and Sean Manaea will be on full rest.
Mendoza will also have David Peterson well-rested from the bullpen if a decision is reached to use Kodai Senga for a 2-3 inning start with Peterson behind him in a piggyback role.
The Mets likely are glad the Dodgers and Padres will need a fifth game to decide their series, allowing less rest for the winning team before hosting Game 1 on Sunday.
