Longtime Mets employee Ethan Wilson has been named a co-winner of a New York baseball writers' award recognizing people who have overcome adversity after undergoing emergency brain surgery.
Wilson shares the Arthur and Milton Richman “You Gotta Have Heart” Award with reporter Peter Botte, while Francisco and Katia Lindor and retired broadcaster Howie Rose also received honors from the Baseball Writers' Association of America's New York Chapter, according to Anthony DiComo's report for Major League Baseball.
Wilson's recovery draws support from the Mets
Wilson, a Massachusetts native who has worked in the Mets' media relations department since 1999, left the hospital in late October after weeks of rest and rehabilitation. He is one of the organization's longest-serving employees.
His recovery brought messages of support, including a video from former Patriots star Tom Brady. Francisco Lindor visited him in the hospital and spent time with Wilson's sister, who was helping during his stay.
Lindor discussed the visit during the World Series in St. Petersburg, where he received the Roberto Clemente Award. He described Wilson as a core member of the organization and credited him and the public relations staff with helping him handle media responsibilities.
Lindor said Wilson's sister had discovered another family in the Mets organization through the support for her brother. He also checked on Wilson's rehabilitation and told him the team needed him back next year.
Botte, a longtime New York Post and New York Daily News reporter, had much of his lower leg amputated because of a severe bacterial infection. He recovered enough to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding in October. The chapter presents the award annually to a member of the baseball community who has overcome significant adversity.
Community service, broadcasting and a Subway Series memory
Francisco and Katia Lindor won the Joan Payson and Shannon Forde Award for community service. The recognition follows Francisco Lindor's Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball's highest off-field honor.
Rose, who retired in September, received the William J. Slocum and Jack Lang Award for long and meritorious service. He previously won the chapter's “You Gotta Have Heart” Award in 2023 after overcoming bladder cancer.
Bo Bichette received the Ben Epstein and Dan Castellano “Good Guy” Award, which recognizes a player who helps the media do their jobs.
Steve Bieser won the “You Could Look It Up” Award, given to someone the chapter has not previously honored. His recognition recalls the inaugural Subway Series in 1997, when his actions as a pinch runner prompted Yankees pitcher David Cone to commit a balk that scored a run.
MLB.com reports Ellis joining coaching staff
The Mets have also hired former Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis as their major league strategy coordinator, DiComo reported, citing a source. The club had not confirmed the hire.
Ellis would effectively replace quality assurance coach Danny Barnes, who left the organization in October. Ellis, 45, frequently served as Clayton Kershaw's personal catcher during his 2008-16 tenure with Los Angeles and later worked in San Diego's front office.
New York recently promoted Mariano Duncan to an assistant coaching position. The Mets still need a hitting coach to replace departed program director Jeff Albert.
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