The conversation began when Josh Hart, forward for the New York Knicks, took to X to rib Donovan Mitchell, the Cleveland Cavaliers star who also happens to be a die‑hard Mets fan. Hart’s tweet referenced the Mets’ 45‑62 record, a mark that has left the club at the foot of the National League East and sparked a quick comeback from Mitchell.
Mitchell, whose father once held an executive role with the Mets and who spent his childhood shuttling between the clubhouse and the minor‑league Brooklyn Cyclones, has long been open about his devotion to the franchise. Growing up around the organization, he even worked as a bat boy for a Mets‑affiliated team, a detail that underscores how deeply the team is woven into his personal history.
A Playful Spat on X
Hart, meanwhile, carries a personal link to baseball history; his great‑uncle was Elston Howard, the first Black player to suit up for the New York Yankees, a fact he often cites as a source of inspiration. When Mitchell fired back, highlighting Hart’s own Yankees fandom, Hart responded by posting a screenshot of the NL East standings, pointing out that the Washington Nationals sit ahead of the Mets in the division.
The exchange, while playful, underscores how professional athletes can turn everyday sports chatter into a brief spotlight on the Mets’ challenges and the personal narratives that bind them to the game. Both players have used the platform to showcase their love for the sport, turning a simple tweet thread into a mini‑story that weaves family legacy, team loyalty and a bit of friendly competition.