The Mets wrapped a disappointing season with a moment that gave fans something to smile about. In the 11th inning of the final game, Dom Smith stepped up to the plate for the first time since a mid-season injury that many thought would end his year. He ignored everything but the fastball, locked in, and crushed a three-run homer to walk it off. It didn’t mean anything in the standings, but the dugout exploded like it did. Smith chucked his helmet and danced toward a mob of teammates ready to rip his jersey off and dump Gatorade on his head.
It was a rough year for Smith. He lost his position battle to Pete Alonso, went down hurt, and didn’t have a clear role when healthy. But he made the most of one final moment. Alonso, who beat him out for playing time, was the first to hug him, clearly fired up for his teammate. The celebration was loud and messy. High fives, handshakes, water showers, the whole thing. It didn’t undo the season, but for one night, the Mets looked like a team winning something. And Smith looked like a player who never gave up.