New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor emphasizes the significance of team dinners in fostering camaraderie and chemistry off the field, believing it contributes to their success on the field.
In the realm of professional sports, team chemistry and camaraderie are often the hidden ingredients that elevate teams to championship contenders. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor has recognized the importance of this off-field connection and has spearheaded a ritual that has become an integral part of the team's success: mandatory team dinners.
The Binding Power of Team Dinners: Francisco Lindor on Mets' Camaraderie
"We don't really have the time to sit down and talk," Lindor explains to Fox News Digital. "By creating these team dinners, it's the only chance we got besides going on the bus all together to a city."
Lindor and teammate Brandon Nimmo initiated the idea, recognizing that team dinners provide a much-needed opportunity for players to bond beyond the baseball diamond. "We sit down for like two hours and talk and laugh and make fun of each other," Lindor says with a smile. "Talk about random stuff. It's the one time that we have, so all about keeping good vibes. All about growing our team chemistry."
The Binding Power of Team Dinners: Francisco Lindor on Mets' Camaraderie
The impact of these dinners became evident during a rain delay in Houston. Instead of canceling plans, Nimmo rented out a conference room at the team hotel in Washington, D.C., and ordered food to ensure the tradition continued.
Despite a rough stretch in May, the Mets never lost sight of their goal. Lindor attributes this resilience to the strong work-life balance that team dinners foster. "It goes back to this campaign – 'Sport For Life.' We're playing a sport and it's our life," Lindor explains. "Talking about not just baseball. Talking about our kids, talking about how I didn't sleep the night before because my daughter was sick... It helped us to get together, it helped us understand each other a little more, and play for each other. At the end of the day, that's what you want. That's what championship teams do – they play for each other."
The Binding Power of Team Dinners: Francisco Lindor on Mets' Camaraderie
Lindor emphasizes the value of open communication and the ability to support each other through personal challenges. "It helped us to get together, it helped us understand each other a little more, and play for each other," he says. "At the end of the day, that's what you want. That's what championship teams do – they play for each other."
Through mandatory team dinners, the New York Mets have cultivated a strong sense of camaraderie and support, which translates into their performance on the field. Lindor's initiative has proven to be a recipe for success, fostering a team spirit that unifies players and drives them towards their goals.
The Binding Power of Team Dinners: Francisco Lindor on Mets' Camaraderie
