Like Father, Like Son
L.J. Mazzilli sports a famous family name. His dad Lee was the most popular Met during the organization's lean years of the late '70s and then returned just in time to serve as a key bench player on the 1986 World Champs. In between, Lee played for several other teams, including a short stint with the Yankees.
A third round draft pick in 2013, L.J. has yet to make the majors. After starting the season at Triple A Las Vegas, the Mets apparently no longer considered him a prospect.
Perhaps the Yankees do. Tuesday, the two New York teams swung a minor deal, with the younger Mazzilli going to the Yankee organization for minor league outfielder Kendall Coleman.
While the odds aren't great for L.J. to have a big major league career, thanks to the trade, he and his dad have already accomplished something interesting. They're apparently the first father and son to play in both the Yankee and Mets organizations.
I can't think of any other family who checked off all the boxes for that distinction. The Berras came close: Yogi played for -- and managed -- both the Yanks and Mets. And Dale played for the Yankees in 1985 and '86. But he was never a Met major or minor leaguer.
And it's a nice moment for his dad. Lee works in the Yankee organization and has to feel good that his son has a chance to one play don the same Bronx pinstripes he once wore.
A third round draft pick in 2013, L.J. has yet to make the majors. After starting the season at Triple A Las Vegas, the Mets apparently no longer considered him a prospect.
Perhaps the Yankees do. Tuesday, the two New York teams swung a minor deal, with the younger Mazzilli going to the Yankee organization for minor league outfielder Kendall Coleman.
While the odds aren't great for L.J. to have a big major league career, thanks to the trade, he and his dad have already accomplished something interesting. They're apparently the first father and son to play in both the Yankee and Mets organizations.
I can't think of any other family who checked off all the boxes for that distinction. The Berras came close: Yogi played for -- and managed -- both the Yanks and Mets. And Dale played for the Yankees in 1985 and '86. But he was never a Met major or minor leaguer.
And it's a nice moment for his dad. Lee works in the Yankee organization and has to feel good that his son has a chance to one play don the same Bronx pinstripes he once wore.
(This image of LJ Mazzilli is from 2016 while playing for the Binghamton Mets.)
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