NEW YORK (AP) — Brandon Nimmo and the New York Mets had more than baseball on their minds throughout a picture-perfect win over Washington.
The club honored longtime team photographer Marc Levine with a series of tributes Tuesday night at Citi Field, where the Mets played their first home game since his death.
Nimmo said remembering Levine gave New York “extra motivation” against the Nationals because players were reminded that “every day is precious.”
“Marc, he spent a lot of time with us and was always a light to be around,” Nimmo said.
Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen announced Levine’s unexpected death in a statement last Thursday, moments after the team wrapped up a series in Washington before traveling to Pittsburgh.
Levine had been the Mets’ chief photographer since 1989.
“We are incredibly heartbroken to learn of Marc Levine’s passing,” the statement read. “He was (the) longest-tenured photographer in team history. Marc documented every Mets moment for the last three and a half decades. He had a kind heart and a wonderful photographic eye. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
The Mets held a moment of silence for their “beloved” photographer prior to a 7-5 victory against the Nationals. Accompanied by music, many of Levine’s most captivating and recognizable photos were displayed on the large videoboard in center field before the game and in between innings.
A new chair in the Citi Field photo well was dedicated to Levine as well.
Nimmo and teammate Francisco Lindor, two of the Mets’ most respected leaders, each homered and drove in three runs to back Jose Quintana’s seven shutout innings. Both made it a point to bring up Levine before their postgame interviews ended.
“Everybody was thinking about him. We all have him in our prayers,” Lindor said. “Every guy in the dugout knew and was aware of it. And having his family here tonight was special. So, our condolences to his family. He’s going to be missed around here.”
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