2020 Olympics: Baseball players at the Tokyo Games with Yankees and Mets connections
Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka before Game 3 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros on Oct. 15, 2019. Credit: AP/Matt Slocum
If you tune into an Olympic baseball game this summer, chances are you’ll recognize a few names.
Aside from the litany of former MLB All-Stars on each of the six Olympic rosters (no current players are allowed to play), there are plenty of recognizable former Mets and Yankees making the trip to Tokyo. Here’s a look at those players:
Dario Alvarez
Mets pitcher Dario Alvarez during photo day in 2016. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
Position: Pitcher
Country: Dominican Republic
New York connection: Mets (2014-15)
Tyler Austin
Country: United States
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Yankees (2016-18)
Manny Bañuelos
Country: Mexico
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Yankees (2008-15, prospect)
Gerson Bautista
Country: Dominican Republic
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Mets (2018)
Jose Bautista
Country: Dominican Republic
Position: First base/Outfield
New York connection: Mets (2018)
Melky Cabrera
Position: Outfield
Country: Dominican Republic
New York connection: Yankees (2005-09), Mets (2020, did not appear in a game)
Todd Frazier
Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier gives a thumbs down after his single against the Minnesota Twins on Sept. 18, 2017. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Country: United States
Position: Infielder
New York connection: Yankees (2017), Mets (2018-20)
Giovanny Gallegos
Country: Mexico
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Yankees (2017-18)
Adrian Gonzalez
Country: Mexico
Position: First baseman
New York connection: Mets (2018)
Anderson Hernandez
Position: Coach
Country: Dominican Republic
New York connection: Mets (2005-07, 2009; played middle infield)
Scott Kazmir
Country: United States
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Mets (2002-04, minors)
Ty Kelly
Country: Israel
Position: Infielder
New York connection: Mets (2016-18)
Brandon Laird
Country: Mexico
Position: Infielder
New York connection: Yankees (2011)
Ramiro Peña
Country: Mexico
Position: Infielder
New York connection: Yankees (2009-12)
Oliver Perez
Oliver Perez pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in Game 4 of the 2006 NLCS. Credit: Newsday/Kathy Kmonicek
Country: Mexico
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Mets (2006-10)
David Robertson
Country: United States
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Yankees (2008-14, 2017-18)
Fernando Salas
Country: Mexico
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Mets (2016-17)
Masahiro Tanaka
Country: Japan
Position: Pitcher
New York connection: Yankees (2014-20)
Nick Klopsis is Newsday.com's sports editor. He often can be found studying NFL and college football film for his latest draft breakdown.