Rookie pens heartfelt letter to mom on his gear: 'Today is for YOU'

Brett Baty is a busy man these days. The 23-year-old is in the midst of his rookie season with the Mets, manning third base and occupying a key spot in New York’s lineup.

But during Sunday’s split doubleheader against the Nationals in Washington, D.C., Baty made sure he paid tribute to an important person in his life.

On the straps of his shin guard, Baty inscribed a special Mother’s Day message to his mother, Leslie. The first sentence? “Today is for YOU.”

In black ink -- above his special pink socks and cleats -- Baty expressed his love and appreciation for his mom. He said she taught him to be respectful and kind -- and supported him throughout his young career

Leslie, who retired in December 2021 after 25 years as an educator for the Marble Falls (Texas) Independent School District, has been there for some of her son’s biggest moments. When Baty slugged his first Major League home run last August against the Braves -- in his first career at-bat, no less -- he signed “I love you” to Leslie and the rest of his family in the stands.

Baty went 2-for-4 on Mother’s Day in Game 1 of the doubleheader and 0-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored in Game 2. Regardless of his performance, it’ll always be a special day for him and Leslie both.

“[T]oday we celebrate you,” Baty’s message concludes. “I love You!”