I’d always read about his tiny bonus and that he was late to the game of baseball, but never really heard the details like this before.

“Jenrry Mejia, as a child and young adult, never had an inherent love for baseball. Instead, as other children his age flocked to the Dominican Republic’s many baseball fields, he elected to either go to work as a shoe shiner, or simply stay at home with his family. While many might see this as a slight on Mejia, who, seemingly, still does not have that inherent love of baseball that drives him to play the sport, this actually shows the deep level of dedication and heart that Mejia possesses. The young Mejia, instead of gambling that some baseball scout might sign him to a deal, worked his youth away, instead. The fact that, at such a young age, he worked day in, and day out, shining shoes, demonstrates that he possesses a deep sense of character and responsibility. Even today, he admits that baseball still isn’t his favorite activity, and that he plays professional ball as a means to support himself, his family, and those he knows from his hometown. How many people would willingly throw themselves into a profession that they aren’t particularly fond of, as a means to support their friends and relatives? Most people deign to think of themselves as having careers in fields that they dislike, or find “beneath themselves”. Yet, Jenrry Mejia is willing to dedicate his life to something he isn’t fully enamored with, all so he can help his family and fellow countrymen. If that does not show his character and heart, perhaps there is nothing who can satisfy those who denounce Mejia’s lack of passion for baseball."

so maybe there’s something to it?

As for how I feel about Pedro’s contract I don’t have a problem with it. Even if he wasn’t worth it for the full length of the contract I do think it played a big part in legitimizing the Mets. We managed to trick several big time players into thinking we were a legitimate big league organization instead of the 3 ring circus we mets fans know and love, which I think was probably a pretty big deal.