A Los Rubios Reunion
By Tab Bamford
The only thing missing from Los Rubios at the 2018 MLB All-Star Game was bleached blonde hair.
In the midst of the fanfare surrounding an historic Midsummer Classic was a mini reunion of Los Rubios. We spoke to all six of the 2018 All-Stars who represented Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, and they’re proud to view themselves as family.
The familial relationships that blossomed on that Puerto Rican roster transcend Major League Baseball. Catcher Yadier Molina plays for the St. Louis Cardinals, a heated rival of the Chicago Cubs and Javy Báez. But the two remain close friends – when the stadium lights are off.
“When we’re playing each other, I’m going to do everything I can to get him out,” Molina told La Vida Baseball. “But before and after the game, we talk about the game and life and our families.”
Molina helped organize a dinner for the Puerto Rican players after they cheered – together – for Báez during the Home Run Derby.
The Big Stage
Báez and Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor emerged on the national stage when they faced off in the 2016 World Series. Both played exceptionally well in that postseason and have continued to improve.
Other members of that team have also enjoyed increased success since the WBC.
Detroit Tigers righthander Joe Jiménez was named to his first All-Star Game. The 23-year-old made his major league debut last season, appearing in 24 games. He struggled at times, posting a 12.32 ERA over just 19 innings pitched. But this year he’s earned a spot as a top reliever with the Tigers, appearing in 46 games in the season’s first half.
Edwin Díaz brought his electric stuff to Seattle in 2016 and appeared in 49 games. He took over as the closer for the Mariners that season and worked out of the bullpen for Puerto Rico in the WBC. Díaz was one of the game’s top closers last year, saving 34 games. He leads the league with 42 saves this season.
Díaz, 24, gave up the lead for the American League in the ninth inning of the All-Star game but the bats woke up in the tenth, making him the first pitcher in 20 years to suffer a blown save but earn a victory in the All-Star Game. The last pitcher to have a win and a blown save in the same All-Star Game was Bartolo Colon in 1998.
“It’s awesome to see how we’ve all taken our games to another level since the WBC,” Twins ace José Berríos said. “We were able to come together and play at a high level on behalf of our country in the WBC, and now we have a special relationship. To be here with Javy, Yadi, Joe [Jiménez], Sugar [Diaz] and Lindor is amazing. We’re still representing Puerto Rico, but this time it’s in the All-Star Game.”
Berríos made his debut in 2016. The 24-year-old also enjoyed success in the wake of being on the Puerto Rico roster last year, winning 14 games with a 3.89 ERA for Minnesota. This year he leads the league with two complete games. He threw his first career shutout earlier this year.
A special connection
What made Los Rubios special last year wasn’t lost on the next generation of players from Puerto Rico. Youngsters coming into their own as top prospects want to be a part of that camaraderie the next time there’s an opportunity.
“The World Baseball Classic meant a lot to Puerto Rican players,” said Heliot Ramos, a Giants outfield prospect who appeared in the Futures Game last weekend. “Everybody wanted to be there – we want to play for our country because it’s a very special honor. I want to win a championship. If I can be on the next World Baseball Classic roster I would be thrilled.”
Major League Baseball and the Players Association view Los Rubios as a reason for confidence that the WBC has staying power. Tony Clark, the Executive Director of the MLBPA, spoke with La Vida Baseball about the WBC at the All-Star Game. He said players – no matter the team – view the ability to represent their country as having special significance. But Clark noted that Los Rubios were unique.
“Considering the challenges that Puerto Rico was facing at the time – and the challenges that came for the island after the WBC – those players have worked together to help bolster their sense of pride,” Clark said. “It brought the people of Puerto Rico together around the game of baseball. There’s no doubt there continues to be tremendous value in the relationships those players have today.”
After Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, many of the players worked together to help rebuilding efforts. Molina, Berríos and Díaz used baseball as a way to raise awareness and money to help the rebuilding efforts.
Earlier this year, Lindor’s Indians and Berríos’ Twins faced off in Puerto Rico. Both reflected on the significance of baseball on the island. Now the 2017 WBC teammates will forever be linked.
“There’s something special about having played with those guys in that tournament,” Lindor said. “It will always be something we remember together.”
Featured Image: La Vida Baseball