Meeting the Mets at Hillel Day Camp in Lawrence

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The New York Mets are not having the season expected of them when general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said, “Come get us,” to opposing teams, but when Major League Baseball’s leading hitter Jeff McNeil and outfielder/first baseman Dominic Smith visited Hillel Day Camp in Lawrence on July 26, the campers were thrilled.

McNeil and Smith answered a volley of questions from campers and camp staffers, and signed autographs on a printed photograph of both players. During one signing, the song “Meet the Mets” reverberated from a speaker. McNeil told campers how he battled injuries and rehabbed after hip surgery and was “lucky enough to make it to the major league.” As of press time McNeil was second in the batting race and Smith’s productive season was interrupted by a stint on the 10-day injured list as of July 27.

In answer to a question McNeil said he played basketball and soccer as a youngster and did want to become a professional golfer, and golfs in his off time. Toughest pitcher he has faced? Giants closer Will Smith. His favorite player growing up: Derek Jeter, because he played shortstop also.

Smith was peppered with questions, including was he disappointed he was not chosen for the All Star game. “I didn’t have enough bats and it gives me something to shoot for next year,” he said. Asked if he remembers his visits to camps, Smith made a poignant point.

“I remember going to the camps, I enjoy taking to the kids,” he said, adding he posts the photos on social media. “When I was growing up not too many people came to talk to us, so I do what I didn’t have.” In response to a question, Smith told campers that he and his teammates “train everyday,” and after the camp visit will return to Citi Field for practice.

Mets fan Asher Calm, 10, said, “I’m happy,” about seeing the ballplayers. “I met real Mets players,” he said he will tell his parents. Nathan Pine, also 10, roots for the Yankees, however he was no less enthralled. “It felt very weird, because a famous person is right in front of you,” he said, adding that he wondered how they handle injury and not being afraid of a 90 mph pitch.

Yehonatan Holzer, was “very, very excited,” to see players from his favorite baseball team, while fellow 10-year-old Max Levine, an unabashed Lakers fan, took it in stride. “They do it every year,” he said, meaning the visits from athletes, “but it’s still fun.”

With McNeil recounting his injury battle to become a 2019 All Star and Smith speaking about handling switching positions at the MLB level, the players’ messages should resonate with the campers, camp director Evan Leibowitz said.

“Bringing in major league athletes, especially the batting average leader in Major League Baseball, teaches our kids the types of qualities people need to achieve their goals,” he said. “Jeff and Dom taught our campers the importance of preparation, perseverance and being able to overcome challenges.”