New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) returns to the dugout against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Mets' Francisco Lindor doesn't like 'Frankie' nickname?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 3/2/21

The New York Mets energized the fan base and landed a potential franchise player in January when they traded with the Cleveland Indians for All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and also right-hander Carlos Carrasco.

Mets fans hope they'll be able to call Lindor a leader, a perennial All-Star, and, eventually, a World Series champion. Per the SNY broadcast of Tuesday's game between the Mets and Houston Astros, however, everyone should leave Lindor's shortened first name back in Cleveland.

Mets broadcast just said that Francisco Lindor thought that the people who started calling him "Frankie" in Cleveland were being lazy. Good for him. That always bothered me.
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) March 2, 2021

Some may not understand why there's any fuss hovering over what appears, on the surface, to be an affectionate title for someone who was one of the most popular athletes in the Cleveland area for years. As noted by PBS, however, the MLB practice of shortening such first names links back to Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente and is seen, by some, as a denial of a Latino ballplayer's heritage.

Whatever the case, Mets fans will be hoping to hear "Francisco Lindor" announced ahead of at-bats at Citi Field for years to come. Team president Sandy Alderson told reporters on Monday that the Amazins will approach both Lindor and outfielder Michael Conforto about contract extensions "relatively soon."

Lindor has repeatedly said he's willing to commit his future to the organization but has added that he doesn't want negotiations to run past Opening Day and the start of the regular season.

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