The Rockaway Wave
Originally Published September 9, 2022
In late August, the New York Mets sent Eduardo Escobar on a rehab assignment to the Brooklyn Cyclones. Escobar, while working his way back from an oblique injury, went 2-for-7 in two games, helping the Brooks pick up two wins in the thick of a playoff race.
But to the team he visited, it was more than just that.
“It’s a great experience for the team,” hitting coach Richie Benes said. “They get to see the guys that make it to the highest level, how they act, how they train, how they prepare. Those things are extremely important, where the younger guys don’t have that experience yet, so to see, to get insight from a guy who’s already up there and went through what they are going through now. To see his demeanor and see his work ethic and see his attitude, it’s a privilege.”
Manager Luis Rivera echoed Benes commenting on how great it is whenever they host players on rehab assignments.
“Having MLB rehab is great,” Rivera said. “It’s a good example for the young players here, the way he prepares himself, focus, and play the game, it’s great for the guys.”
Benes said Escobar’s visit was not only good for the players, but for him too, as the two were able to talk hitting and approach, among other things.
It was huge for the players though, especially fellow Venezuelan infielder Jose Peroza.
“It was great,” Peroza said through Benes, who was acting as a translator. “You see him and he’s the type of professional you want to be. He’s inspiring, it’s good to have a guy like that around.”
First baseman JT Schwartz said it was great to see Escobar because a lot of the players on the team already had some familiarity with him thanks to when he talked to them in spring training.
Schwartz said Escobar was with Mets third base coach Joey Cora, and the two were talking about their time together years ago when they were both in the Chicago White Sox organization.
“He caught Joey Cora’s eye because of the teammate that he was,” Schwartz said. “How he went about his business every day, they knew they would never have to worry about anything with him, he’s always doing things the right way. Just put his head down and worked.”
Schwartz said Escobar talked to the players about his upbringing, and about how he was never a highly ranked prospect but put the work in to get where he is today.
“He’s never been this big, flashy guy who’s kinda caught everyone’s eye,” Schwartz said. “But he’s done a lot of the right things to get where he’s at. Just never looked back with the work he’s put in and the position that he’s gotten to today.”
Word of the talk Escobar had with the players at minor league camp was publicized a bit when it occurred back in March. Buck Showalter described it as “special,” as Michael Mayer of Metsmerized Online tweeted.
Escobar’s great personality has been lauded ever since he got to the Mets organization. It’s what Benes said, commenting on how polite and respectful Escobar was, calling him “just an overly great guy.”
It’s what the players said too, and seemingly the reception he got from everyone he meets.
It should come as no surprise then that Schwartz said Escobar also bought the team dinner — a spread from Outback Steakhouse.
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