Prior to joining the Mets, Conti held various coaching positions in the Los Angeles Dodgers' minor league system, where he befriended Sandy Koufax and also worked with young pitchers such as Pedro Martínez and Ismael Valdez. Martinez credits Conti for teaching him English when Conti coached Martinez in Great Falls, Montana, calling him "my white daddy."
This account highlights Conti's background before joining the Mets, where he worked with notable figures like Sandy Koufax and mentored young pitchers such as Pedro Martínez and Ismael Valdez. The mention of Conti teaching Martínez English in Great Falls, Montana, underscores their close relationship and Martínez's appreciation for his mentor.