Donovan Mitchell stays loyal to the soil. Whether it's his game-day tradition of tweeting with his team's trademarked hashtag, representing the All-Pro quarterback from his alma mater, or donning the colors of his favorite MLB team, Mitchell makes it clear where his allegiances lie.
With Mitchell and the Cavaliers facing the Knicks in the opening round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, his allegiance to the New York Mets is more relevant than usual.
Mitchell can best be described as a Mets superfan — it's fairly common to see him repping the Mets by wearing a jersey, fitted cap or both. He's even taken batting practice with the Mets as well as their High-A affiliate in Brooklyn.
Came back like Mike wearing 45⚾️ #10Day @Mets pic.twitter.com/w9rGRTlqb0
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 16, 2022
Mitchell's Mets fandom — and New York roots — played a large role in his being linked to the Knicks for years. Now that he and the Cavs are facing the Knicks in a high-stakes situation, Mitchell's NYC love may seem a bit inappropriate, but it's more than justified.
Let's take a closer look into Mitchell's Mets fandom and his New York roots.
Why is Donovan Mitchell a Mets fan?
Simply put, he was essentially born into it.
Mitchell's father, Donovan Mitchell Sr., has been employed by the Mets organization since 1999, per his LinkedIn profile. Given that the younger Mitchell was born in 1996, he was either two or three years old when his father began working for the Mets.
The elder Mitchell now holds the title of Sr. Director of DEI and Player Relations, a position he's held since 2021. Because of his father's proximity to the franchise, Mitchell was often around players from the Mets' minor league affiliates and idolized players like David Wright.
This photo was the first poster I ever had on my wall! I looked up to you for years... as a kid to be able to learn a lot from you and you to allow me to learn meant a lot! Thank you for all you have done for the game and for me finish it out strong ✊🏾🙏🏾🐐 @Mets pic.twitter.com/CMQbEH8EV5
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) September 13, 2018
Prior to focusing on basketball, Mitchell was an avid baseball player and had dreams of playing professionally before an injury caused him to make the switch as a sophomore in high school.
His love for the sport is now shown through his love for his favorite team.
“We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve. I always trust in — I think Mets fans call him ‘Uncle Steve’ so we’re excited.” #LGM
— GENY Mets Report (@genymets) January 31, 2023
~ @spidadmitchell on his excitement for the 2023 #Mets season. pic.twitter.com/Q6qSXNsnUW
Donovan Mitchell's New York roots, explained
Mitchell was born and raised in Elmsford, N.Y. a village in Westchester County that is roughly 25 miles from Madison Square Garden. While in middle school in Greenwich, Conn., Mitchell was in attendance at LeBron James' "The Decision," which was held at the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club.
Because he was born and raised in the New York City area, Mitchell has maintained that he feels at home when playing against the Knicks.
"A lot of friends and family … people that saw me play when I wasn't a basketball player — I was a baseball player, who played basketball with his friends. To come back home, the love and support is incredible."
With Mitchell feeling at home for at least two games during this series, expect him to turn in some signature postseason performances, something he's become known for doing throughout his career.
