Francisco Alvarez, the New York Mets’ young catcher, has taken the MLB by storm with his powerful hitting and youthful exuberance. But beyond the home runs and impressive stats lies a fascinating individual with a unique story. Here are five surprising facts about the Mets’ rising star that you may not know.
From Pasticho to the Majors: Alvarez’s Culinary Skills
1. Alvarez is a Budding Chef
While many young baseball players spend their off-season training or relaxing, Alvarez decided to hone his culinary skills. When a 2023 game was rained out, he seized the opportunity to cook his mother’s pasticho recipe, a Venezuelan dish similar to lasagna. Alvarez even invited teammates Brett Baty and Mark Vientos to enjoy the feast. The story was so heartwarming that it was featured in Saveur Magazine, proving that Alvarez is a man of many talents.
“Francisco’s pasticho was incredible,” says celebrity chef, Maria Garcia. “It’s clear he puts the same passion and dedication into his cooking as he does his baseball.”
A Love for Music and Language: Alvarez’s Off-Season Pursuits
2. Alvarez Used Music and Television to Improve his English
During the 2022-23 offseason, Alvarez dedicated himself to improving his English. His method? Listening to songs with English lyrics and watching Spanish Netflix shows dubbed in English. This unique approach allowed him to immerse himself in the language and culture, ultimately helping him communicate better with his teammates and fans.
A LeBron James Fanatic: Alvarez’s Basketball Passion
3. Alvarez is a Huge Basketball Fan
Although baseball is his profession, Alvarez has a deep love for basketball. He is a self-proclaimed “big fan” of LeBron James and often watches NBA games in his free time. This passion for another sport demonstrates Alvarez’s athletic versatility and his ability to appreciate different forms of competition.
Following in the Footsteps of a Legend: Alvarez’s Childhood Idol
4. Miguel Cabrera Was Alvarez’s Childhood Hero
Growing up in Venezuela, Alvarez idolized fellow countryman Miguel Cabrera, the Detroit Tigers’ legendary slugger. Cabrera’s power and dominance at the plate inspired a young Alvarez to pursue his own baseball dreams. This admiration for a baseball icon showcases Alvarez’s dedication to the sport and his desire to emulate the greats.
A Historic Debut: Alvarez’s First MLB Home Run
5. Alvarez Hit a Home Run For His First Major League Hit
Alvarez made his major league debut on September 30, 2022, against the Atlanta Braves. In a storybook moment, he hit a home run for his first Major League hit, becoming the 16th Met to achieve this feat. This remarkable debut instantly endeared him to Mets fans and signaled his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.
What’s Next for Francisco Alvarez?
With his incredible talent and infectious enthusiasm, Francisco Alvarez has already made a significant impact on the New York Mets. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, the future looks bright for this young star. Fans are eager to see what records he will break and what milestones he will achieve in the years to come. What are your thoughts on Alvarez’s journey so far? Share your predictions for his future in the comments below!
