Latinos in Baseball Who Have Redefined the Sport

Baseball season has officially begun, and like any other sport, baseball players work hard. They are dedicated and passionate about playing the game. Furthermore, many of today’s Latino baseball players are Mexican, Dominican, and Venezuelan. So, here are a few Latino baseball players who have demonstrated greatness both on and off the field.

Dominican ball player Albert Pujols of the Angels AKA “La Maquina” began his career in 2001 playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, and later joined the Angels in 2012. He is known for his expert level batting and his mastery of the first base position. Pujols is forty one years old, and according to the contract he signed with the Angels, this is his final year. Aside from being a professional baseball player, Pujols is a husband and father and has used his massive platform to serve his community. Pujols is a step father of twenty three year old Isabella who has down syndrome. In 2005 Pujols and his wife Deidre created Pujols Family Foundation which is an organization that helps the down syndrome community and those living in poverty in his native, the Dominican Republic. Pujols and his wife have also come together to create “Open Gate International” and “Strike Out Slavery,” which are organizations that help prevent human trafficking and provide resources for victims. According to an L.A. Times article, Pujols shared,

“I’ve tried to get the most out of  [life] by making an impact in the community…the game is going to be a part of your memory, but to put a smile on a family or a kid, that’s treasure.” 

Former Dodger, Mexican-American Adrian Gonzalez, also known as “El Titan,” has signed with Guadalajara Mariachis of the Mexican League. Gonzalez is also known for his batting and  defensive first base play. He shared on social media that one of his goals is to play for the Mexican National Team and to represent Mexico in the Tokyo Olympics this summer. According to the L.A. Times, Gonzalez has represented Mexico in a youth competition, Caribbean World Series and World Baseball Classic. At the age of thirty eight, Gonzalez told the L.A. Times,

“If I can accomplish those four, that’s like the grand slam of representing Mexico…that is the only reason I have not retired yet.”

Gonzalez began his baseball career in 2004, and has played for the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Socks, LA Dodgers, and the New York Mets in 2018. He also has an app called “Titan 23” with which fans can be updated on what Gonzalez is upto behind the scenes.

Last year was a big year for the Los Angeles Dodgers when they won the World Series. Dodger pitcher, twenty four year old Julio Urías, also known as “El Culichi,” was born in Culiacan Rosales, Sinaloa, Mexico. Every athlete feels pressure to play their best in every game. As a baseball pitcher the pressure increases, because his performance could make or break their team’s chances at victory. Although Urias has not played professional baseball as long as Pujols and Gonzalez, he pitched for the Dodgers during their World Series victory last year. This past opening weekend, he struck out six Colorado Rockies players. According to an MLB article, that same game, Urias threw a total of “79 pitches and 59 strikes.” He also played 7 innings, which is the longest he has played in his career. 

By seeing Latino representation in sports such as baseball, it gives hope to Latinos from younger generations to dream big and work toward turning their dreams into reality. Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez and Julio Urías are just a small fraction of the Latino baseball players paving the way for generations to come.