Mets a hit with Special Olympic athletes

"It means the world to me."

Those were the first words out of New York Mets infielder Dominick Smith when asked about Sunday's event.

For the third year in a row, the Mets organization held the Spring Clinic for Champions, an event for Special Olympians in the Treasure Coast area.

More than 60 Special Olympians participated on the field, with Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo leading the warm-ups then dispersing the Special Olympians into four learning stations: infield, outfield, throwing and pitching.

"For me to come out here and see how much fun they are having really warms my heart, makes me happy and brings a lot of joy to me," Smith said. "That's why we play the game, to see the fans and kids happy. People with disabilities are sometimes left out; for me to show them that they are cared about and mean something to us [Mets], that's very special to me.

"It doesn't matter who you are, you should get treated the same way. That is why I always show my face to these events."

For John Cuoco, this has been his third straight year at First Data Field, and the moment he came through the gate he was asking for star Noah Syndergaard. Unfortunately, Syndergaard was unable to make it but Cuoco went on playing with high spirits.

"I missed him," Cuoco said."My favorite part was pitching fast and outfield. I missed coming here."

That is the kind of impact the Mets have on the community. Special Olympians just like Cuoco said they love coming here.

"The athletes continually ask when the event going to happen again," Special Olympics County Director for St. Lucie Darin Homer said. "They look forward to seeing their favorite players. It's special the interaction and connection between our athletes and the Mets athletes."

New Mets pitching prospect Colin Holderman was helping as well and isn't new to this.

"I did a lot of events like this back home in Illinois with my sister, who is a big part of my life," he said.

Holderman's sister has Angleman Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the nervous system.

"It's awesome seeing the Mets put this as a priority during spring training and I know I am with the right organization," he said.

The Mets take the field in their home opener at First Data Field on Friday at 1:10 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves.