Robert W. Carbonaro Students Meet a Former NY Met

Fifth-grade students at Robert W. Carbonaro School in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently had the exciting opportunity to practice their baseball skills with former New York Mets pitcher Nelson Figueroa. Before stepping up to the plate, Figueroa spoke to students about the importance of school, hard work, dedication, and character.

“Developing our students’ confidence and resilience is a core principle of what we do at the Valley Stream 24 School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Unal Karakas. “It’s crucial for students to hear the challenges and successes of a role model like Nelson Figueroa, who has experience setting and reaching his goals. Our students thoroughly enjoyed meeting him and hearing the advice and encouragement he garnered through his journey and career.”

Nelson Figueroa’s baseball career began in 1995 when he was drafted by the Mets. Since then, he has also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Houston Astros. The 50-year-old athlete also has a personal connection to the Valley Stream community; his nephew Zenon Figueroa is a student at Robert W. Carbonaro School.

Mr. Figueroa also has a personal connection to the Valley Stream community; his nephew Zenon Figueroa is a student at Robert W. Carbonaro School. Figueroa shared his journey to the New York Mets, inspired by his father, a softball player, to start playing baseball as a young child. One of the most important lessons he imparted to students was that success can’t exist without failure. He spoke about overcoming setbacks and losses throughout his career before achieving his goals and appreciating his progress.

After sharing his journey, students asked several questions about his career, his inspirations, and what it took to become a professional athlete. Following the assembly, students broke into teams and played a game of Wiffle ball with Figueroa as pitcher. They practiced catching, throwing, and running the bases with his guidance and support.

For more information about Valley Stream 24, please visit the District’s website at https://valleystreamschooldistrict24.org and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VS24SchoolDistrict #MakeTheConnection #VS24