During spring training in Port St. Lucie, Florida, New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea has initiated a chess club in the clubhouse to build camaraderie among young players. The activity provides mental respite and fosters healthy competition during long training days. Prospects like Carson Benge and Jonah Tong have joined in, learning from Manaea's experience.
Pitchers and catchers recently reported to the Mets' spring training facility at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where Sean Manaea quickly drew an audience. Before workouts began, the left-handed pitcher sat at a small table in the clubhouse, demonstrating chess moves to prospects Carson Benge and Ryan Clifford. Christian Scott observed from nearby as Manaea explained the bishop's diagonal path.
As training progressed, the table became a central spot for games. Manaea played against Jonah Tong, teasing him about an escape for his trapped king before revealing it was a jest. When Manaea was absent, the young players—Benge, Clifford, Tong, Jacob Reimer, and Jack Wenninger—continued practicing, sometimes with instructions available.
“There’s been this dream to have a little chess club,” Manaea said on Saturday. “It’s all the young’uns and they’re all super into it, which is pretty cool. ... Chess is such a cool, cool thing.” The game promotes mental elasticity and competition, strengthening bonds between Manaea, who is about a decade older, and the prospects.
Chess is gaining traction in baseball clubhouses. Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan organized a club that evolved into a tournament with participants from chess.com. Manaea expressed enthusiasm, hoping it becomes league-wide. His own interest reignited in 2023 while with the San Francisco Giants, when he taught a coach and resumed playing online during commutes. He also visits Washington Square and Bryant Park to watch street players.
Tong, who learned from friends, has beaten Manaea once. “I’ve been waiting and practicing,” Tong said. “I’m trying to think two moves ahead, because that’s what he does.” Manaea joked, “I vowed to never let it happen again,” adding, “He’s got a lot to learn but we play all the time.” Tong noted, “You’ve got to give him some confidence here and there.”
Scott picked up chess during recovery from Tommy John surgery, playing on phones with a friend. He described his interest as covert initially, saying, “Sean is a little bit above me. He’s really good. Jonah is, too.” Though he planned to challenge Manaea, he continued observing. Manaea hopes the club persists into the regular season, despite limited responses from other teams—only Kwan has engaged.
