Mets Locker Room Saw Talent in a Young Pat Mahomes II

By Jay Horwitz

Bobby Valentine had no problems with players’ kids fielding balls in the outfield during Mets batting practice. The Mets manager just wanted to make sure the youngsters were up to the task.

“I didn’t want anyone getting hurt out there,” said Valentine with a laugh. “I wanted to be certain that no one would ever get injured. I understand that players were away from their families a great deal and this was one way for the kids and dads to bond.”

There was hordes of kids on the field 25 years ago Shea Stadium. There was JJ Franco, son of John; Gage Hampton, son of Mike; Garrett Zeile, son of Todd; and Patrick Mahomes, son of Pat.

Mahomes was the smallest of the youngsters who took the field each day and Valentine freely admits he had his concerns for young Patrick’s safety.

“I remember thinking how is he not going to get killed out there,” said Bobby. “I thought there was no way he would be able to hold his own but he proved me wrong. He was quite the athlete.”

Boy, could Patrick Mahomes take care of himself. He was only four in 1999 but he made a quick impression on the Met players.

“He was a shagger,” said outfielder Benny Agbayani. “He could really go get the ball.”

Young Patrick used to borrow Benny’s glove to catch fly balls.

“I remember yelling over to Jay Payton to watch the kid,” said Agbayani. “He had some arm. I am proud of his career. Who would have thought he would have turned into the best player in the NFL.”

All of the 1999–2000 Mets will be rooting for Mahomes on Feb. 11 in the Super Bowl.

“It’s just remarkable what he’s become,” Zeile said. “You can see he gets some of his throws from his baseball background. Four Super Bowls in five years is pretty good.”