Guy Conti, Former Mets Coach and Scout, Dies at 84

Guy Conti, a longtime instructor and advisor for the New York Mets, has died at the age of 84. His passing was confirmed by The Post following a lengthy illness.

Conti served as the Mets' bullpen coach from 2005 to 2008 before transitioning to a role as a minor league advisor within the organization. His career in baseball also included time with the Dodgers, where he played an instrumental role in the early development of Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez.

Conti was dispatched to the Dominican Republic by the Dodgers to scout the younger Martinez. He described the experience of seeing Martinez pitch for the first time: "All of a sudden when Pedro got on the mound and started throwing the ball, it just exploded. He just jumped off the page after that and, ‘Oh my goodness, this must be him.’ And it was history from that point."

After signing with the Dodgers, Martinez reportedly referred to Conti as his "white daddy." Conti was instrumental in teaching Martinez how to throw a changeup and also encouraged him to learn English. Conti recalled that Martinez understood the importance of learning the language and would diligently work with Conti's wife, a high school librarian, to learn new words daily.

Conti and Martinez were reunited with the Mets from 2005 to 2008 after Martinez signed with the team.

Following his major league coaching tenure, Conti worked for several years as the Mets' spring training coordinator. His friendship with Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax facilitated Koufax's occasional visits to spring training camps.

"Guy was the first one to arrive at camp every morning and the last one to leave," said former media relations director Jay Horwitz.

Conti was a native of Tarentum, Pennsylvania.