CINCINNATI — The New York Mets have introduced a new home run celebration inspired by a light blue Spider-Man mask, a tradition sparked by a gift received by outfielder Juan Soto. Two weeks ago in Seattle, Soto signed an autograph for a young fan who gave him the mask, along with a Michael Jordan rookie card. Though Soto initially gave little thought to the mask, it quickly became a clubhouse favorite during the Mets’ subsequent road trip.

By the time the team reached San Diego, players began wearing the mask for fun, and rookie Carson Benge proposed adopting it as an official celebration for home runs. Since Friday, the Mets have incorporated the mask into their dugout routine, with any player who hits a home run donning it during the celebration. The new ritual replaced the previous custom of using a construction hard hat and orange vest to mark home runs.

Over the past few games, four Mets players—Bo Bichette (who wore it twice), Soto, A.J. Ewing, and Marcus Semien—have participated in the Spider-Man mask celebrations. Despite some discomfort, with Soto noting the mask is “a little tight on the sides,” the team viewed the change positively.

The Mets launched a strong offensive display during a recent series against the Atlanta Braves, where they homered five times, winning two out of three games. However, their momentum stalled with a 12-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at Great American Ball Park, where no home runs or mask celebrations occurred.

The Mets, who began the 2026 season with a 32-39 record and ranked last in the National League East, have embraced the celebrations as a way to keep the atmosphere light and fun amid the pressures of a competitive campaign. Veteran infielder Marcus Semien commented on the importance of maintaining a positive clubhouse environment, saying, “These games get very serious, and you can be very hard on yourself, and if you can keep it light and have fun, laugh a little, it makes it better.”

Manager Carlos Mendoza has given his approval to the new tradition, emphasizing the desire to see the mask displayed frequently—as long as it accompanies home runs. Bichette’s recent offensive surge during the Braves series was a welcome boost for a veteran infielder who has struggled for consistency this season.

The Mets have previously used playful symbols during their 2024 postseason push, including the purple McDonald’s character Grimace, which fans and players credited with lifting the team’s spirits during a challenging stretch. Following that example, the Spider-Man mask has quickly become a new emblem of camaraderie and optimism in the Mets’ clubhouse as they navigate another demanding major league schedule.