Why wife of Mets' Francisco Lindor had emotional reaction to dramatic NLDS grand slam

Similar to many New York Mets fans, the wife of Francisco Lindor found herself saying a prayer as the star shortstop made his way to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning of Wednesday's National League Division Series matchup versus the rival Philadelphia Phillies. 

Also, like Mets fans, Katia Lindor started crying after Francisco's grand slam gave the hosts a 4-1 lead they held through the ninth inning to clinch a spot in the upcoming National League Championship Series.

"It's almost like a weight is lifted off our shoulders where it's like, people finally appreciate him, and they see his value," Katia said about her emotional response to the home run, per Deesha Thosar of Fox Sports. "I think they're starting to see it beyond the field, too, and definitely on the field."

Long before Francisco Lindor emerged as the unofficial captain and most valuable player for a team four wins away from playing in a World Series, he heard boos from Mets fans amid his offensive struggles that occurred shortly after he signed a 10-year contract extension worth $341M in 2021. 

As Mark W. Sanchez noted for the New York Post, Katia more recently took to Instagram to share threats and other vile messages she and Francisco received online this past spring as he endured a brutal slump. 

Francisco Lindor's stellar play and off-the-field leadership, which included his calling a players-only meeting when the Mets fell to 22-33 back on May 29, helped propel the club on a run no outsiders saw coming back on Memorial Day. 

Few would have guessed at that time Lindor would deliver two of the most clutch homers in franchise history en route to guiding the Mets to an NLCS showdown with either the San Diego Padres or Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I'm so proud of him," Katia added about Francisco. "I'm in awe of him every day. His hard work is just incessant. He does not take his responsibility and his role lightly."

Katia isn't the only person in the New York area in awe of what Francisco has achieved over the past handful of months.