Jeff McNeil has been a big reason for any success the Mets have had this season. He made the All-Star team and is hitting .330 on the season, which is in the top three in the National League.
The Mets infielder/outfielder is back healthy on a team that once looked out of it.
"We have been through some rough patches in the season. We have bounced back," McNeil told Marc Malusis on WFAN Wednesday. "Midway through the first half we weren't playing very good and everyone stayed positive and we didn't let it affect us. Once the All-Star break hit, we turned it on and got right back into it."
A guy who deserves a lot of credit for the hot run since the All-Star break might be Mickey Callaway.
"He deserves a lot of credit. We love playing for Mickey," McNeil said. "He's a lot of fun. He keeps the clubhouse loose, keeps it fun, has meetings when you have to have meetings. I credit a lot to him. He's done a great job."
Pete Alonso set the Mets single-season franchise home run record Tuesday night with his 42nd homer, passing Carlos Beltran and Todd Hundley. McNeil knows Alonso very well and saw big things coming.
"Pete's having a tremendous year. I'm not surprised at all," McNeil said. "Got to play with him the last two years and I saw what's in him. His power is pretty unbelievable. At the same time, he's a great hitter. He's a smart hitter. I'm super happy for him. What he's done this year has been amazing. No rookie in the NL has more home runs than he does. Just to hit his 42nd last night and have the Mets record is pretty exciting.
"He's a lot of fun. His personality is awesome. He's great in the clubhouse, great with the media, great with the fans. I think that's why New York loves him. He's a lot of fun and you see when we hit the walk-off, he's the first one out there ripping jerseys off and it has just been a lot of fun playing with him."
McNeil has taken time off the field to figure out how to get better at the plate.
"I try and understand what the pitcher is trying to do to me to get me out. Just making small adjustments here and there to put me in the best position to succeed," said McNeil.