Francisco Lindor: The Mets’ MVP and the Embodiment of Puerto Rican Resilience (From a Yankees Fan)

As a lifelong Yankees fan, it’s not often that I find myself admiring a player from the other side of town. But Francisco Lindor, man, he’s different. This season, he hasn’t just won over Mets fans—he’s earned the respect of baseball fans across the board, including me.

Earlier this year, things were ugly for Lindor. In April and May, he was practically thrown out of town by Mets fans, frustrated with his performance. Some even went so far as to threaten his family. Let that sink in—threatening someone’s family over baseball. It’s unbelievable, but it’s a reminder of how twisted sports loyalty can get.

Yet, here we are now, with Lindor leading the Mets to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), and those same fans are praising him like he’s the second coming of Seaver. And he deserves every bit of that praise. When Lindor hit that grand slam to push the Mets into the NLCS, the calm, focused demeanor he had said it all. This wasn’t just another big moment—it was personal. It was vindication.

Lindor isn’t just playing well—he’s embodying the resilience that runs deep in Puerto Rican blood. As someone who’s proud of my heritage, I see that same unshakable spirit in Lindor that I’ve seen in our people for centuries. In 2024, Puerto Rico is still a colonial territory, but our resilience is unbroken. We keep fighting, no matter the odds, just like the majestic fighting roosters of Puerto Rico. That’s what Lindor has in his heart every time he steps onto the field.

I’ll admit, as a Yankees fan, watching Lindor lift the Mets feels a little strange. But you can’t deny greatness, and he’s playing at a level that goes beyond team rivalries. He’s leading with pride, with determination, and with the kind of focus that makes champions.

What I respect most about Lindor isn’t just his talent, but the way he’s handled everything that’s been thrown at him. He’s not just playing for his team—he’s playing for his family, for his heritage, for his people. He’s taken every bit of doubt, every boo, every threat, and he’s turned it into fuel. That’s Puerto Rican resilience in action.

And now, as the Mets march toward the NLCS, Lindor is at the center of it all. He’s hitting clutch slams, playing elite defense, and leading the way with the same fire and strength that defines Puerto Ricans. He’s not just the MVP of the Mets, or even the National League—he’s playing like the MVP of the entire MLB, as far as I’m concerned.

It’s wild to see how fast things have turned around. Just a few months ago, Mets fans wanted him gone. Now? They can’t get enough of him. But this is about more than baseball. It’s about how Lindor represents something bigger—something that speaks to the heart of every Puerto Rican. Our resilience, our pride, our ability to rise above adversity—that’s what he’s showing the world.

Lindor’s journey this season is a reminder of the strength that comes from facing hardship head-on, with dignity and determination. He’s carrying the spirit of Puerto Rico with him every time he steps up to the plate. And when he hit that grand slam to take the Mets into the NLCS, it wasn’t just a win for the team—it was a win for all of us who understand what it means to fight for something bigger.

So yeah, I’m a Yankees fan, but I’m also a fan of resilience. I’m a fan of heart. And right now, Francisco Lindor is the embodiment of both. He’s not just a player—he’s a leader, a fighter, and the MVP of this league. Period.

Whether you’re a Yankees fan, a Mets fan, or just a baseball fan, you can’t help but respect what Lindor is doing. He’s proven that when you have heart, when you have that Puerto Rican spirit running through your veins, you can rise above anything. And trust me—he’s just getting started.

Adrian Alvarado