Jorge Alfaro trying to create a Colombian legacy

The initial impression most people have of Jorge Alfaro is that he’s a big guy. Listed, officially, at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds by the Phillies this season, he’s come a long way since he left home in Colombia eight years ago.

Not everything has been easy for a guy who’s chasing his dream.

Just a Kid

Alfaro, initially scouted as a shortstop, received an impressive $1.3 million signing bonus from the Texas Rangers as a 16-year-old in 2010. Hitting is always what excited him, but when he was told his best bet to reach the big leagues was behind the plate he happily made the change.

Growing up his idols were the usual suspects: Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Vladimir Guerrero and Sammy Sosa. His focus was on the offensive side of the ball. When he saw a potential way to accelerate his path to the big leagues, he jumped at it.

“When the coaches said my best bet to make it to the big leagues was as a catcher, I didn’t think about it twice,” he said. “Whatever I needed to do to make it to the big leagues, I was willing to do it. When they told me to try catching I committed to it.”

Alfaro headed to the Dominican Summer League after signing with the Rangers. He admittedly struggled. The following season the Rangers brought him to the United States, where the teenager joined players a few years older in the Northwest League. Alfaro performed better in the U.S. and started to find his name on the lists of top Rangers’ prospects.

Scouts and analysts thought enough of Alfaro that he was one of the more celebrated prospects traded to the Phillies at the July 31 trade deadline in 2015 when the Rangers acquired Cole Hamels.

The following season, still barely 23-years-old and only a few short seasons removed from being a middle infielder, Alfaro realized his dream. He made his big league debut for the Phillies on Sept. 12, 2016, and got a hit in his only at-bat.

Still Learning

After an up-and-down 2017, Alfaro and the Phillies brought in some reinforcements before this season. Veteran first baseman and one-time top catching prospect Carlos Santana and ace Jake Arrieta were the Phillies’ two big free agent additions this winter.

Both have helped Alfaro as he works to make the No. 1 catching job his in Philadelphia.

“Carlos [Santana] was a catcher before, so now that he’s here and we have a good relationship he helps me,” Alfaro said. “[Jake] Arrieta is always there when I have a question, too. Going to Jake is great because he has a lot of experience with pressure moments and big moments and he’s always willing to talk to me.”

Home, Sweet Home

According to BaseballReference.com, only 20 players from Colombia have taken an at-bat in Major League Baseball. Alfaro reaching the big leagues a rare accomplishment for his home country.

More rare yet is a Colombian pitcher in the big leagues. Only eight individuals born in that South American country have stepped foot on a major league pitching mound for a regular season start. Two of those eight, José Quintana and Julio Teherán, are currently in the National League.

To the young catcher, the three share a unique bond.

“We talk about [Colombia] when we see each other,” he said. “We’re always happy to see other Colombian players in the big leagues. We’re happy for the success of other Colombian players when they reach the big leagues and do well because there aren’t many players from our country in the majors.

“Quintana is a big deal in Colombia. Teherán, too. Lots of kids in Colombia have been watching them for years already. They’re role models for kids because they’re established in their careers.”

Coming from a country where soccer is clearly the top sport, Alfaro pointed out that being able to have a relationship with other players from home is important.

Alfaro is also very aware of how his predecessors have handled their business off the field as well. He senses the importance of being a building block for the next generation of baseball players from Colombia.

“I want to inspire kids so they believe they can make it to the major leagues too,” he said. “I want kids in Colombia to know that the guys in the major leagues didn’t come from high class families. We came from modest neighborhoods but always had the dream of playing in the big leagues in mind. It’s what we always wanted to do.

“It’s important to help your family and your community at home once you make it to the big leagues. Quintana and Teherán are doing that and now I want to do that, too. And, hopefully, whoever gets to the big leagues after us will do the same.”

Featured Image: Hunter Martin / Getty Images Sport