WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — Carlos Mendoza was thrilled to learn the Little League World Series had a team this summer that represented his Venezuelan hometown. The Mets manager struck up a conversation with some kids from Barquisimeto on his trip to the stadium where the traditional youth tournament is held — only to find the ballplayers a bit distracted by the big leaguers around them.

“I’m talking to one kid and Juan Soto walks by,” Mendoza said Sunday with a laugh. “Francisco Lindor. It was hard to maintain that conversation.”

Already hard to miss as one of the most recognizable players in baseball, Soto was set to have kids marveling at his cleats. Soto’s spikes were ripped straight from a comic book.

“SOTO SMASH!” and “SOTO BLAST!’ along with superheroes such as Spider-Man and Iron M

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