Most major league managers don’t participate in the nightly exchange of lineup cards prior to first pitch, preferring instead to hand off that assignment to various members of the coaching staff. When it came time for the traditional ritual Tuesday night at Nationals Park, both team’s skippers absolutely made sure they were the ones making their way toward home plate.
For the Nationals’ Miguel Cairo and the Mets’ Carlos Mendoza, this was no ordinary ballgame. This was history: The first time two Venezuelans managed against each other in a major league game. And when they greeted each other shortly before first pitch at 6:45 p.m. and posed for photos, it absolutely meant something to each man.
“I got chills,” Cairo said following the Nats’ 8-1 loss. “Because it was cool to see countrymen being managers in the big leagues at the same time playing together.”
There have been only four Venezuelan-born managers in big league history. Ozzie Guillén was the most well-known, the bombastic former shortstop managing the White Sox from 2004-11 and the Marlins in 2012. Al Pedrique took over the Diamondbacks during the 2004 season after Bob Brenly was fired but wasn’t retained that winter.
Cairo has now twice been promoted from bench coach to interim manager, first in 2022 with the White Sox after Tony La Russa went on medical leave, and of course this summer with Nationals after Davey Martinez was fired. Mendoza, meanwhile, was hired by the Mets last year and proceeded to lead them to the National League Championship Series.
“For us, it’s really exciting,” Cairo said. “I’m very proud to be here. There aren’t too many Latino managers and coaches. Today is a big day for him and for me.”
Cairo, 51, and Mendoza, 45, have been close for some time. Both played at various points in their careers for the Yankees. And both coached for the Yankees organization prior to their current gigs.
“I’ve known Miggy for a long time,” Mendoza told reporters. “Obviously when he was a player, I was at the beginning of my career as a coach. And then we were able to work together. When I was at the big league level, he was the infield coordinator. Just being from the same country, playing against each other for a little bit … it’s just an honor for both of us.”
Despite a large percentage of active players, there haven’t been a proportional number of Latino managers in the big leagues. Those who do work their up to get the opportunity understand the responsibility that comes with it.
“You have to go through everything,” said Cairo, whose playing career ended in 2012. “You have to go through the minor leagues, you have to work your way up, you have to go through development. Nothing is easy, and you’ve got to earn it.
“He earned it. I think I earned it. To be on this stage, it’s an honor for both of us.”