Mets' McNeil Adopts Puppy Brought To Ballpark By Animal League

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mets All-Star Jeff McNeil has acquired a promising, four-pawed prospect.

McNeil video chatted with his wife, Tatiana, from Citi Field prior to a game against the Pirates on Friday, pleading to bring home a puppy brought to the ballpark by the North Shore Animal League.

He and his teammates took turns greeting the rescued dogs, who were held in a pen outside the home dugout during batting practice. McNeil fell hard for a pup with a fuzzy blond coat and a dark face.

The canine was the first thing on his mind after he clubbed a three-run homer in New York's 6-3 win over Pittsburgh a few hours later, his 10th homer of the season.

"Hitting a home run after holding a puppy, I think that gives me a little bargaining chip," McNeil said. "My wife wants more homers, then we have to get a puppy."

McNeil, who leads the majors with a .340 batting average, said the couple planned to visit the puppy together Saturday and then make a decision.

Saturday afternoon, McNeil announced on social media that he and his wife had a new addition to the family, saying they had not yet decided on a name for the pup.

In a comment, Colorado Rockies infielder Garrett Hampson said, "Homers literally get you whatever you want in life."

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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