John Franco’s High Praise for Francisco Lindor
PORT ST. LUCIE — Shortly after arriving at the Mets’ training camp as a guest instructor, Hall of Famer John Franco, one of only four people to serve as team captain, ran into Francisco Lindor. Franco, a longtime closer who earned his captaincy in 2001, didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts with the current shortstop, saying, "I want to see you get that ‘C’ on your chest." This is no small honor, as only Franco, Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and David Wright have held the title of Mets captain. Franco’s endorsement carries significant weight and speaks volumes about Lindor’s leadership potential.
An Unofficial Captain
When SNY’s Instagram account recently posted about Lindor’s possible captaincy, Franco commented, "That would be a great choice from one captain to another." Franco elaborated on his support, saying, "He’s the unofficial captain anyways. There is leadership in the way he presents himself on the field and off. Even when he was struggling, he had the same demeanor, the same approach." Lindor’s consistent professionalism and positive attitude, even during tough times, have not gone unnoticed by the veteran players and team officials alike.
A Holistic Leader
Franco, who pitched for the Mets for 14 of his 21 big league seasons, knows the responsibilities of a captain well. He explains, "As a captain, if a guy was struggling, I would go up and talk to him, see how he’s doing. If the guy was doing something he shouldn’t have been doing, I would offer my advice and perspective." Franco sees these same qualities in Lindor, noting, "He’s always talking with the young guys about hitting, fielding, even pitching. There’s a teacher in him, and he’s always smiling. He goes 0-for-4 but makes three great plays in the field, and it’s that same even keel." Lindor’s ability to maintain his composure and continue to perform at a high level, regardless of his personal performance, is a hallmark of true leadership.
A Tradition of Mentorship
Franco’s mentorship experience with David Wright, who became the last Mets captain, provides a valuable perspective. "David came up toward the end of my career and was like a sponge. He stood in the locker room and was attached at the hip to Joe McEwing, who had a great work ethic. David knew the right thing to do—when to say it, when to do it," Franco recalls. He sees in Lindor a similar respect for tradition and a willingness to teach the next generation of players. "I remember when Noah Syndergaard was here and David taught him to be on the bench during the game. That’s what you do with young guys: teach them the traditions and how to act." Lindor, too, is embodying this role, guiding and mentoring the younger players on the team.
Inclusion and Team Dynamics
Lindor’s influence extends beyond just his teammates on the field. Mets officials have taken notice of his efforts to ensure that newcomer Juan Soto feels welcome and comfortable with the team. Soto, who left behind close relationships with the Yankees, an organization he deeply valued, has found a mentor and friend in Lindor. "He’s gravitating to him," Franco says of Soto taking Lindor’s lead. "Why wouldn’t you want to gravitate toward someone like him?" Lindor’s inclusivity and openness have fostered a positive team dynamic, making the transition smoother for new additions like Soto.
A Bright Future for the Mets
Lindor’s leadership and positive influence are not just beneficial for the present; they are crucial for the future of the Mets. With a young and talented roster, having a player like Lindor who respects tradition and is committed to mentoring the next generation is invaluable. Franco’s endorsement is a testament to Lindor’s character and potential, and it signals a promising direction for the team. As the Mets look toward the future, Lindor stands out as a leader who can guide the team to new heights.
