Big home runs and bigger World Series lesson

By César Augusto Márquez

As the 2017 season entered in its final week, the World Series went insane with home runs and dramatic comebacks. Yulieski “Yuli” Gurriel earned public censure and a costly suspension for next season after a racist display in the dugout. Kenley Jansen got to meet his idol. The Nationals hired Dave Martínez, increasing the number of Latino managers in the majors to three.

Tough lesson

Astros first baseman Yulieski Gurriel’s first World Series has been a rollercoaster ride. A player who has represented Cuba in the Olympic Games, the World Cup and the World Baseball Classic, he’s clearly comfortable on the big stage. After collecting a double and home run in Game 5 on Sunday during the Astros’ dramatic 13-12 win in 10 innings, Gurriel has 20 hits in 61 at-bats in the playoffs, the most for a Cuban major leaguer in the postseason.

But Gurriel eclipsed any goodwill he may have generated by pulling his eyes back after hitting a home run off the Dodgers’ Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish in Game 3. The racist gesture is universally unacceptable, and commissioner Rob Manfred was quick to issue punishment. Gurriel was remorseful and contrite the next day.

“I sincerely apologize to everyone that I offended with my actions. I deeply regret it,” he said in a prepared statement.

While MLB suspended Gurriel for five games to start the 2018 season — punishment that will cost the player around $370,000 — Darvish took the high road. His grace and forgiveness was apparently a factor in Manfred deciding to impose the punishment next season, though public perception of Gurriel may never again be so kind.

Bolstering Latino management

The Washington Nationals have reportedly agreed to a deal that will make Dave Martínez their next manager. A longtime bench coach for Joe Maddon, both in Chicago and Tampa Bay, Martínez will be the third Latino manager in MLB, joining Álex Cora of the Boston Red Sox and the Rick Rentería of the Chicago White Sox. A Brooklyn native whose parents migrated from Puerto Rico, Martínez played 15 years in the bigs.

Doing their part

Minnesota Twins José Berrios, Kennys Vargas and Eddie Rosario have spent their offseason collecting supplies to help victims of Hurricane María back home in Puerto Rico.

Mariano and Mariano 2.0

Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen won the NL Reliever of the Year award for the second consecutive season. Jansen, born in Curaҫao, received the award from his idol, legendary Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. Jansen notched his third 40+ save season in 2017 and maintained an ERA of 1.32, helping the Dodgers reach the World Series.

At the Fashion Plate

Because being one of the best hitters in baseball is not enough, Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera started his own fashion line earlier this season. The Venezuelan star took a moment to show how it’s done.

In good company

The World Series is often host to superstar fans. Game 4 proved no different. Although Houston does not draw as many famous faces as L.A. (naturally), Minute Maid Park got some megawatt star power as Jennifer Lopez watched the game with Mariano Rivera and her beau, Álex Rodríguez, who has been working the games as an analyst.

Featured Image: Justin Verlander twitter