Nats’ Cairo and Mets’ Mendoza become first Venezuelans to manage against each other in MLB

WASHINGTON (AP) — Miguel Cairo beamed with pride as the Washington Nationals’ interim manager spoke about the hard work it took for him and his Venezuelan countryman, Carlos Mendoza, to get jobs leading Major League Baseball teams.

On Tuesday night, Cairo and Mendoza of the New York Mets became the first Venezuelans in big league history to manage against each other.

“It’s two countrymen, friends, and now to be exchanging the lineup at home plate, we’re excited about it. We’re proud to represent the Latinos in the United States, represent our country in the United States, and of course represent our organizations,” Cairo said. “To me, it’s a dream come true.”

Mendoza was hired by the Mets after the 2023 season, becoming the third Venezuelan manager in major league history. Cairo became