When word got out on Thursday that superstar and immensely likable shortstop Francisco Lindor had been traded to the Mets, there was a seismic shift in the baseball world. Mets fans, who often build an identity out of a Charlie Brown-esque relationship with baseball -- always expecting success to get pulled away at the last second -- suddenly felt free to express joy. Their faces, like Mr. Smile himself, lit up.
For those who aren't Mets fans and want to know what that may have felt like, you're in luck. You can witness 6-year-old Carmelo's reaction to Lindor joining the team and live vicariously through him.
The young Lindor superfan is led to his bedroom where his father has set up a tableau. Next to Lindor's Puerto Rico World Baseball Classic jersey is a large sign proclaiming "Lindor is a Met!"
That's when the young fan emits an ear-shattering scream of pure joy. Dogs from hundreds of miles away would have heard and perked up in anticipation.
With more exuberance and joy than many experts probably thought possible, Carmelo jumps up and down shouting, "They got him!" before becoming overwhelmed and tearing up.
This is the kind of moment that makes a fan for life. And while most adult Mets fans probably didn't celebrate this way on the outside, this is a pretty good visual representation of how they felt on the inside.
Even better, Lindor saw the clip and met with Carmelo in a video chat on Monday.
"I almost cried because I'm happy you are very excited," Lindor said. "You brought a lot of emotions to me and my fiancé and my whole entire family and friends. I can't wait to meet you, Carmelo."
To which Carmelo answered simply, "I feel like I already know you. I've got your old card."