Apparently, the “Alfonzo” doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Daniel Alfonzo, son of former Mets star Edgardo Alfonzo, is making waves in the Bayside Little League, leading all players in home runs and playing in the All-Star game last week.
“It’s good, because I see many kids in the league that have really good talent,” Edgardo said about his son, who is standing out as one of the league’s top batters.
Edgardo has noticed his son’s enthusiasm for the game and believes he may have a bright future playing the sport.
“He’s passionate for the game, that’s a good sign,” said Edgardo. “You know that kids are going to be good when they have that passion for the game.”
Every time he has a free moment the former Met goes to watch his son play and support him. There’s no doubt in his mind that the reason Daniel is fond of baseball is because he played professionally.
“Since he was born he has been surrounded by bats, balls and gloves,” Edgardo said, adding “Every time we go out to eat, people recognize me so I think he likes that.”
Despite the talent and passion his son already has for the sport, Edgardo noted that he still has to teach Daniel situational baseball, before he will be able to advance to higher levels of the game.
This means how to play the game in every facet, avoid errors to play smarter baseball and make crucial plays in game situations.
“He teaches me a lot of stuff, like how to play baseball with the pros,” Daniel said of learning the game from his dad, whom he considers his role model.
“Everything he learned is from watching the game,” Edgardo said. “I want to teach him how to play the game. Every time I can support him and correct him playing the game, I try to do it.”
Because he is still young, Daniel also hasn’t settled with a specific position yet.
For the span of his 12-year career, Edgardo played at third and second base, and batted .284 overall with 146 home runs. He was an All-Star with the Mets in 2000 and won the Silver Slugger award in 1999.
His son has played at various positions including catcher, pitcher and some spots in the infield. And although Daniel likes to pitch, Edgardo just wants him to do what comes naturally.
“Right now at this age I told him to play where he is comfortable,” Edgardo said, adding that his son has time to figure out where he will play on the diamond.
Edgardo said it’s too early to say if his son will make it to the big leagues, but he just appreciates that his son is following his path.
“It’s fun watch your own son trying to follow your footsteps,” he said.
However, Daniel may play for the Yankees instead of his dad’s Mets.
“I would like to play for the Mets and the Yankees. Either or,” said Daniel.
— Additional reporting by Sana Karim
