The Legend of former New York Mets phenom Benny Agbayani lives on.
In a way.
Rutherford rising senior Abellany Mendez was named in honor of Agbayani, although Mendez concedes that his father did kind of mix up the letters and pronunciation, but that was the intention.
Besides, everyone calls him “Johnny.” You can call him one of North Jersey’s most versatile and best playmakers.
Mendez ran for more than 1,000 yards and scored 18 touchdowns for the Bulldogs’ sectional championship football team in 2017. He’s the starting point guard for the basketball team, and in baseball he can play practically any position, and was named third-team All-County.
“My family is my biggest thing,” said Mendez, fresh off a trip to a baseball showcase. “I am trying to do big things for them and give them what they deserve.”
Growing up in Passaic, the 5-foot-7 Mendez played baseball and basketball (the family moved when he was in fifth grade). He didn’t play football at all until eighth grade, encouraged by his friends who knew he fit the profile as a shifty running back.
“It was pretty fun running and getting away from everyone,” said Mendez.
In the North 1, Group 2 final victory last year over Hackettstown, Mendez ran for 96 yards and a score, while catching five passes and playing safety. It looked like it was pretty fun as he ran and got away from everyone.
The Bulldogs hadn’t won a title since 1966, and the team was feted with a grand parade in town. Mendez said it’s a great memory.
“We worked so hard for it,” said Mendez. “That was the most exciting thing to be able to do it for the community and the fact that it had been so long.”
This fall, expect Mendez to play an even bigger role as a running back, slot back, maybe even some quarterback.
“Johnny is one of the biggest playmakers and most explosive players in the conference,” Rutherford coach Andy Howell said. “He will line up all over the field and be getting the ball quite often. Defensively, he will be used at cornerback and safety to match up on our opponents most dangerous threat.”
When asked about possibly repeating as champions, Mendez said the Bulldogs have to take it slow.
“We just have to keep the same mentality and believe that we can do it,” said Mendez. “We have to execute on offense and defense. We know we’re a target this year, but we have some good skill players returning. We just have to play.”
While Mendez made his mark on the football field, his favorite sport is probably baseball. Again, he cites his family as a big reason why. He’s been playing baseball since he was 4 years old and can play any position, mainly middle infield or outfield.
Mendez said that he has an app that lets him know what colleges have seen him play.
“I think Johnny can play both [football and baseball],” said Rutherford coach Carmen Spina. “He’s extremely talented in both and has the ability to take over games.”
“He will have a future in whatever sport he chooses,” said Howell. “There’s not too many three-sport athletes left today … I wish we had more of them.”
In his own words
Mendez on his family:
“What I care about most is my Family of 5. I will always choose my family over everything. My mother is the greatest mother. She is always there going above and beyond for me along with making sure I get to all my sports activities. My dad always buys me what I want, even when he doesn’t have the money for it. He does the impossible and makes all the effort in the world to never say no. My older brother is always there with his support. He keeps me positive and motivated on what I am doing. He believes I can make it far in sports, that I can achieve any dream that I chase. My older sister also gives me support. She is usually the loudest in the crowd shouting my name at either a football, basketball or baseball game. There is nothing greater than family. One should always keep their family close because their simplest daily efforts are what keep you going.”
