WASHINGTON -- The lineup card exchange is a longstanding pregame tradition in Major League games.

On Tuesday, the gathering represented a special first.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza and Nationals interim manager Miguel Cairo met at home plate before the Nationals' series opener against New York to commemorate being the first two Venezuelan-born managers to face each other in baseball history.

“A privilege,” said Mendoza. “I’m humbled by it. It’s a big deal back home.”

Said Cairo: “It’s two countrymen and friends. And now to be exchanging the lineup at home plate, we’re excited about it.”

Cairo and Mendoza appreciate the journeys they both took to manage in the big leagues. They overlapped in the Yankees’ organization and have seen each other ascend in baseball over the years.

“I've kn

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