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Cyclones bring a Mazzilli back to Brooklyn

June 18, 2013 Editorial Staff

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by Jim Dolan

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BY JIM DOLA

Former New York Met Lee Mazzilli beamed with pride as the media surrounded him and his son, L.J. for an interview in the home dugout at MCU Park during the Cyclones’ pre-season work out day on Saturday June 15.

After being drafted as the Mets’ fourth pick in the recent Major League draft, the 22-year-old L.J. Mazzilli out of the University of Connecticut was equally as proud to come home to his father’s “old stomping grounds” to start his pro career.

“I think my dad was a little more excited than me when the Mets announced they had picked me,” he said as he watched the MLB draft with his dad. “The feeling was unbelievable; I jumped up and gave him a huge hug, only now I coming down a bit.”

“I’m so proud to be his son and be able to not necessary follow in his footsteps in what he did for the Mets, but to add to my own legacy and wear my last name with a lot of pride,” he said of his dad who spent stints with both the Mets and the Yankees.

“I never played in a stadium before,” said an excited Mazzilli marveling at his new summer home. “I’ve got seats all around me, a locker room, fences and that great scoreboard out there in centerfield.”

Touted as a second baseman with speed and power, Mazzilli commented on his son’s ability stating, “He’s more advanced than I was at his age and a better hitter.”

He went on to say, “It’s hard to comprehend. I’m working [as special advisor] for one great organization [Yankees] and he’s going to play for another great organization [Mets]. How do you match that?”

Noting his many relatives still living in Brooklyn, Mazzilli kiddingly stated that his son better remember all of his family members this season.

“Now he gets to leave tickets for me,” quipped the proud dad.