NEW YORK -- As the later innings rolled past,
\n\n \n\nSo ended a season that was as difficult for the Mets as it was complicated for Smith. Entering Spring Training purportedly in a first-base competition with Alonso, Smith understood that he was unlikely to win that battle. He lobbied the Mets to let him work out in left field, but when they told him no, Smith was left without a starting job. He made the team as a bench bat and thrived in that role, then -- despite his lack of experience at the position -- became the Mets’ regular left fielder for a brief spell in June and July. A stress fracture to his foot ended that run.\n\nTeam doctors told Smith he would not play again this season, but Smith lobbied them to let him try. In the interim, he became a vocal leader in the clubhouse, [riding around Citi Field on a customized knee scooter](https://www.mlb.com/mets/news/dominic-smith-scooter-drawing-attention) and asking general manager Brodie Van Wagenen to let him travel with the team on the road. By the final week of September, Smith was healthy enough to play, but the Mets weren’t going to start him at first base with Alonso chasing the Major League rookie home run record.
\n\nSo Smith waited, and waited, and waited, finally receiving his chance in the 11th inning of Game 162.\n\n“He’s one of those guys, the heart and soul of this team,” teammate