One of the quickest way to make a new friend in language. Since we know most players now have an interpreter, it is safe to assume they prefer to converse in their own tongue, even though I call bullshit on them not speaking English. Being versed in a foreign country, I know English is taught in schools at a young age. They may not be fluent, but they can get their point across. It’s the reporters looking to get attention for themselves that makes players wary of misspeaking and use an interpreter. Nonetheless, we all prefer our main language. It’s funny seeing Senga nod as the reporter is asking the question and answer in Japanese without the interpreter repeating the question to Senga in Japanese.
Secondly, having the same agent is usually always an ice breaker because the agent puts in a good word for the new guy and the veterans that are friends of the agent are now friends of the new guy. Kind of, “a friend of my friend is also my friend” mentality.
Thirdly, a status check seems natural. While Soto may be cool with a vet like Marte due to the common background, would he necessarily be chill with a newbie like Mauricio or Acuna? What kind of conversation can those kids have with him, other than polite small talk?
Steve Cohen should sell—at a great discount—½ or even 1% of the Mets to Starling Marte, with the stipulation that he takes on a role in the dugout for many games each year.
I’m in constant wonder watching Starling Marte.
At the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso was completely ignored by the dozens of players—most of them from Latin America—who were there to support their friends. He was left standing alone, isolated in a moment that should’ve felt electric.
Starling didn’t want to break Pete’s concentration, but he was there—100%—ready to be exactly what Pete needed, if or when Pete needed it. That kind of presence, that kind of quiet emotional intelligence, is rare.
On camera, Marte has been seen gently pulling Juan Soto in—arm practically draped over his shoulder—to ease the tension and bring him into the joy of a group photo. He wipes away that face of intensity and replaces it with something light, disarming, human.
Never do I see a player who doesn’t feel immediately comfortable around Marte. There’s trust, closeness, a shedding of ego, and a rare emotional safety. I mean never!
I show my wife moments like these constantly—because I see this quality as vital in baseball. And I can’t stop hoping there will be a place for him in the Mets organization after he retires.
Obviously, he likely doesn’t need a coach’s paycheck. He has serious commitments in the Dominican Republic during the off-season—time with his recent wife, his two young children, and the three older ones from his first marriage. His first wife, tragically, passed away in 2020. He also manages local business ventures and supports youth baseball back home.
Clearly, Starling was born with a rare mix of traits—and must have had an environment growing up, including siblings, that shaped who he is today. His gut-wrenching loss may have added a layer of spirituality, of perspective.
Maybe not everyone learns from his role modeling. But every single one of them will feel a human connection through him—one that makes life more enjoyable and emotionally safe.
One of the quickest way to make a new friend in language. Since we know most players now have an interpreter, it is safe to assume they prefer to converse in their own tongue, even though I call bullshit on them not speaking English. Being versed in a foreign country, I know English is taught in schools at a young age. They may not be fluent, but they can get their point across. It’s the reporters looking to get attention for themselves that makes players wary of misspeaking and use an interpreter. Nonetheless, we all prefer our main language. It’s funny seeing Senga nod as the reporter is asking the question and answer in Japanese without the interpreter repeating the question to Senga in Japanese.
Secondly, having the same agent is usually always an ice breaker because the agent puts in a good word for the new guy and the veterans that are friends of the agent are now friends of the new guy. Kind of, “a friend of my friend is also my friend” mentality.
Thirdly, a status check seems natural. While Soto may be cool with a vet like Marte due to the common background, would he necessarily be chill with a newbie like Mauricio or Acuna? What kind of conversation can those kids have with him, other than polite small talk?
Soto and Alonso are both repped by Boras. Don't recall them interacting much but it's hard to tell from the tv.
Steve Cohen should sell—at a great discount—½ or even 1% of the Mets to Starling Marte, with the stipulation that he takes on a role in the dugout for many games each year.
I’m in constant wonder watching Starling Marte.
At the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso was completely ignored by the dozens of players—most of them from Latin America—who were there to support their friends. He was left standing alone, isolated in a moment that should’ve felt electric.
Starling didn’t want to break Pete’s concentration, but he was there—100%—ready to be exactly what Pete needed, if or when Pete needed it. That kind of presence, that kind of quiet emotional intelligence, is rare.
On camera, Marte has been seen gently pulling Juan Soto in—arm practically draped over his shoulder—to ease the tension and bring him into the joy of a group photo. He wipes away that face of intensity and replaces it with something light, disarming, human.
Never do I see a player who doesn’t feel immediately comfortable around Marte. There’s trust, closeness, a shedding of ego, and a rare emotional safety. I mean never!
I show my wife moments like these constantly—because I see this quality as vital in baseball. And I can’t stop hoping there will be a place for him in the Mets organization after he retires.
Obviously, he likely doesn’t need a coach’s paycheck. He has serious commitments in the Dominican Republic during the off-season—time with his recent wife, his two young children, and the three older ones from his first marriage. His first wife, tragically, passed away in 2020. He also manages local business ventures and supports youth baseball back home.
Clearly, Starling was born with a rare mix of traits—and must have had an environment growing up, including siblings, that shaped who he is today. His gut-wrenching loss may have added a layer of spirituality, of perspective.
Maybe not everyone learns from his role modeling. But every single one of them will feel a human connection through him—one that makes life more enjoyable and emotionally safe.
And that, to me, is everything.
“The 30-something whiteys”. Officially *deceased*.