BROOKLYN, N.Y.—Former Hammonton High School baseball standout L.T. Struble was promoted to the New York Mets’ class-A affiliate on May 18. Later in the week, Struble was assigned to the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, New York.
“It’s been a crazy week,” Struble said.
Struble, a 29th round draft choice by the Mets in 2019, had opened the season at St. Lucie (Florida), where he batted .286 in seven games to start the season.
After beginning the season in Port St. Lucie, Florida, the Mets promoted Struble to Brooklyn, where the Cyclones play in the High-A East League early last week.
The versatile Struble has seen time in both center field and at second base this season.
“It’s really been a crazy start to the year. It was stressful at times but I’m doing my best to just control what I can and that has helped me stay positive. I am thankful for the opportunity to just keep playing the game and meeting great people along the way,” Struble said.
“Everyone in St Lucie was super happy for me and the guys in Brooklyn welcomed me with open arms. That to me is the most important thing in this sport. With all the team changes in the minor leagues, it is good to see that people you play with are happy for you and want you to succeed. This is a new experience for me and I’m just with the same process I’ve been going with so far and keep working. The job’s not finished,” he said.
In his first game on May 19, Struble went 0-for-3 with a run scored. Two nights later, he recorded his first hit as a member of the Cyclones, singling and scoring a run.
As for his later move up the organizational ladder to Syracuse Mets, Struble was surprised and hopes to remain at that level.
“Nothing is definite, but they need guys who can fill in wherever and I’m a utility player, so that works for me,” he said.
A 2014 graduate of Hammonton, Struble earned All-Cape Atlantic League and All-South Jersey honors during his high school career.
He went on to play at Camden County College, where he is the program’s all-time leader in stolen bases. He also played two seasons at Felician College, ranking among the best hitters in the nation.