Luis Severino and Harrison Bader, two recent additions, have a lot in common, starting with their backgrounds. They can both legitimately claim to be native New Yorkers.
The Dominican native, Severino, got a contract with the Yankees in 2011 when he was just 17 years old. He played for the team for 12 years until becoming a free agency in November. Throughout his career, he played in the Hudson Valley, Trenton, Somerset, and New Jersey Minor Leagues in addition to spending eight seasons in the Bronx. Severino has made his reparations to the tri-state region.
Born in Westchester County, Bader attended Bronx high school and spent some time playing for the Yankees for two seasons before to joining the Mets. He takes Adam Ottavino’s position as the clubhouse’s in-house New York specialist.
Naturally, as long as teams have been in the city, there is a question that arises with that experience: Are some players more adapted to the particular demands and attentions that come with living in the biggest media market in the country?
At least the Mets aren’t discounting the theory.
“I think it’s important to have players who embrace what New York is,” said president of baseball operations David Stearns, a New York City native himself.
“We will all gain a great deal if you can harness all of these outside forces that are present in New York as fuel and as a source of motivation. This has an extra layer of intensity. We all discuss it. Everyone is aware of it. I do believe it is crucial to have athletes that embrace that, who relish that, and who live off of that intensity.”
Before joining the Yankees, Bader spent seven years in the Cardinals system. He gave his own explanation for why he likes the vibe of a big market.
“The most crucial thing to understand about New York, according to Bader, is that everything that some may find challenging about the city is essentially external. “I think that pressure can be quite strong if you utilize it as a guide for your tomorrow, for your next decision. The benefit is that it’s a fantastic experience if the team does really well and you have a fantastic year.”
The remarks made by Severino, who stated that several of his friends and relatives had recommended him to sign in a smaller, less competitive market at the beginning of free agency, were maybe the most fascinating. He didn’t listen to them.
“Now that I think about it, the pressure is what motivates and sustains me.” Severino stated. “I enjoy working under pressure. I spent a lot of time in New York because of this. I want to feel that pressure going forward, which is why I’m glad to be a part of the Mets organization. I want them to let me know when I’m not feeling well so I can improve.”
Reliever Josh Walker and infielder Zack Short, both from the Hudson Valley, are the other two New Yorkers on the Mets roster. They will battle for positions on the Opening Day roster, but Severino and Bader are guaranteed berths.