Carlos Mendoza slowly buttoned his brand-new pinstriped Mets jersey, slid on his blue-and-orange cap and settled into his seat. Within minutes, strangers were willing to vouch for his character.

Mendoza’s words were soaked with sincerity. His relatability radiated. He was grateful and gracious, eloquent and emotional, painting big pictures with small details.

MLB’s second-ever full-time manager from Venezuela repeatedly shifted between two languages during his introductory press conference in Queens, extending his hand to anyone within reach.

Soon, those words will fade. Progress goes unspoken.