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Mets honor Virgil, 1st Dominican-born MLB player

NEW YORK -- As the Mets and Major League Baseball continue to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the organization honored Osvaldo (Ozzie) Jose Virgil Sr., 86, by appointing him an honorary coach for Wednesday night's game against the Braves.

The former Major Leaguer dressed in a full Mets uniform and held a news conference prior to the game. He also gave some pointers during the Mets' batting practice, exchanged lineup cards and joined the team in the dugout for the entirety of the game.

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At the age of 15, Virgil moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic and attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx.