Rookie Carson Benge’s blast makes New York Mets history, proves manager correct: ‘You’re a big leaguer’

Carson Benge didn’t know what to expect when he entered manager Carlos Mendoza’s spring training office Tuesday. The New York Mets rookie sat on a loveseat next to the desk.  

Mendoza started the conversation by pointing to the 23-year-old outfielder’s professionalism and mature approach. He asked what the 2024 19th overall draft pick recalled during his initial batting-practice experience at Citi Field that summer.  

Benge thought for a moment and replied via @Mets video: “Holy $#!%, I want to be here.”  

Mendoza said: “Guess what, Thursday, you’re going to get that opportunity. You’ve made the team. You’re going to be in the lineup and you’re going to play right field for the New York Mets.  

“Let’s go.”  

With that, the manager and the rookie hugged.  

“This is a moment, you’ll never forget,” Mendoza said. “You earned it. You’re a big leaguer.”  

He helped prove it against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates, connecting on a sixth-inning home run as the Mets rolled to an 11-7 victory.  

Mets rookie Carson Benge enjoys bang-up debut  

Benge’s solo blast marked the second time in franchise history a player homered on Opening Day in his debut, joining Kazuo Matsui (2004).  

Good thing Benge didn’t believe in any bad omens coming from a dead bird falling next to him in right field. That happened, prompting some fans to heckle the rookie into disposing of the remains.  

Following Benge’s first MLB hit, Francisco Alvarez followed with his first homer of the season, capping the Mets’ scoring Thursday. Eight different Mets batters drove in at least one run. 

Aided by Benge’s two runs scored, the Mets fell one run shy of matching their highest Opening-Day run total. They scored 12 runs against the Chicago Cubs in 1994.