New York Mets pitcher Jonah Tong drew attention this week when he told interviewers that he dips grilled cheese sandwiches in maple syrup and called the combination "unbelievable."
Tong, a Canadian, discussed the pairing in interviews with World Baseball Network and MLB’s Cut4, saying the practice was taught to him by his grandfather. "The secret is maple syrup," Tong said. "It’s unbelievable. My grandpa taught me that, and it’s …" He added that he cuts the sandwich into pieces and dips it in the syrup, calling it "my favorite thing."
Tong’s comments came as casual conversation around the Mets’ clubhouse and were picked up widely on social media and sports sites, where the unconventional pairing prompted a mix of surprise and amusement among fans. The remarks also prompted further profiles of Tong as he continues to establish himself at the major-league level.
The Mets selected Tong in the seventh round of the 2022 MLB Draft. He advanced through the organization’s minor-league system and made a start for the major-league club against the Miami Marlins in late August 2025, lasting five innings and striking out six batters in a game New York won 19-9.
Tong was on the mound again on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, when the Mets faced the Cincinnati Reds. He took the loss after allowing four runs on three hits while recording six strikeouts. Team and league reports list those appearances among his early major-league opportunities as he works to carve out a role in the Mets’ rotation and bullpen plans.
Tong’s food preference adds to a long tradition in sports reporting of athletes sharing personal quirks and comfort foods that resonate with fans. The pitcher’s maple-syrup-and-grilled-cheese routine reflects both his Canadian roots and a common theme of family-influenced tastes that players often mention in interviews.
The Mets organization has not issued a statement about Tong’s comments, which were characterized in media coverage as a lighthearted, personal disclosure rather than a topic affecting team strategy. Tong’s on-field performance and continued development through the remainder of the season remain the primary focus for coaches and evaluators.
Reports on Tong’s interview appearances were carried by major baseball outlets and picked up by wider sports media, where the anecdote has been shared alongside recaps of his recent appearances. Tong’s combination of talk and on-field work will likely continue to draw attention as the Mets manage a roster with a mix of established veterans and younger pitchers seeking consistent roles at the major-league level.