Big Papi reflects on the next generation

By Jose de Jesus Ortiz

David Ortiz, who managed the World Team at the Futures Game, knows greatness when he sees it. The former Boston Red Sox legend has played with and against the greatest players of his time on the biggest stage for the highest stakes.

Big Papi is one of the most feared designated hitters of all-time. He sealed his place in baseball lore when he helped end the Curse of the Bambino in 2004 with the Red Sox and then helped Boston win another World Series two years later.

He’s one of the true baseball icons who transcended the sport in his big league town. On Sunday as manager of the World Team for the Futures Game as part of the All-Star Game festivities, Ortiz was reminded that the next generation of Latino baseball stars also has the potential to leave a legacy in their eventual big league towns.

“The future is very interesting,” Ortiz told La Vida Baseball in Spanish. “To have the opportunity to manage this talent and the amount of players who are in the minor leagues and major leagues makes me think that Latino baseball is living a good moment.”

Making the Future Bright

By now, everybody knows about American League Most Valuable Player José Altuve, Javy Báez, Francisco Lindor and the other Latino All-Stars who descended on Washington D.C. to participate in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday night at Nationals Park.

Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres, 21, is the youngest Latino All-Star this year. Interestingly enough, he never participated in a Futures Game as he was sprinting through the farm system toward the majors.

That fact should serve as a reminder that the Latino talent pool is so deep that even some future superstars didn’t earn a trip to Washington D.C. for the Futures Game.

Torres surely would have shared Ortiz’s optimism about the Latino prospects who participated in the 2018 Futures Game.

The youngsters on the World Team were definitely in awe of their peers.

“It’s exciting to be here (at the Futures Game),” Mets infield prospect Andrés Giménez said. “I think that the fact that this team has so many talented Latinos reflects the moment in time.”

Marlins right handed pitcher Jorge Guzman definitely sees a promising future for his World Team teammates.

“The Latino talent continues to surge,” Guzman said. “There are many players that are surging. This Futures Game is an example of that surge.”

Latinos Rule the World’s Roster

The World Team’s starting lineup included four prospects from the Dominican Republic – shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr. of the Padres, designated hitter Seuly Matias of the Royals, right fielder Jesus Sanchez of the Rays and third baseman Dawel Lugo of the Tigers.

Two Cubans – left fielder Yusniel Díaz of the Dodgers and first baseman Yordan Álvarez of the Astros – also started for the World Team. Center fielder Luis Alexander Basabe of the White Sox was the lone Venezuelan starter although starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo of the A’s is a Peru native with Venezuelan parents.

Mexico was represented by second baseman Luis Urias of the Padres in the starting lineup, and Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya gave Panama a starter.

“I come from a family in which my brother is also a ballplayer,” Urias said. “As a Mexican it’s an honor because it shows that in Mexico they also play baseball. And as a Latino, I think there’s a lot of talent for the future.”

Under the direction of one of the all-time great sluggers of their lifetime, the World Team proved that there’s plenty of great Latino talent close to the big leagues.

They’ll look back fondly on the evening they were managed by Big Papi.

Featured Image: Jean Fruth / La Vida Baseball