Mets fans have a fan in the team’s manager. Carlos Mendoza spent six seasons as Yankees coach and became immersed in Bronx culture over six seasons and over the past year has gotten to understand the fan base in Queens.

Carlos Mendoza’s first year as New York Mets manager was supposed to be a learning experience. Instead, he has taken the team to its first National League Championship Series since 2015, overcoming early struggles and guiding the Mets back to prominence.

While the celebration began on the field, the champagne popping did not start until they were inside their clubhouse. It officially began with an emotional speech from manager Carlos Mendoza to his team.