Spring Training Journal: Getting Personal with the Diamondbacks

by César Augusto Márquez

Day 3

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in a unique position as the sole team in Major League Baseball whose base of operations is in the same place as its spring training complex — the Phoenix metro area. Diamondback players therefore don’t have far to travel to get to camp, except for those Latino players who have embarked on a longer journey — the one that takes them from their native Latin American countries to Chase Field. La Vida visited Arizona’s camp at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale this past week to talk to various players. Ildemaro Vargas and Yasmani Tomás spoke about the road they traveled before finally being able to realize their major league dreams. Ketel Marté opened up about losing his mother — and the support his baseball family provided.

Happy to be here

Arizona infielder Ildemaro Vargas is a cheerful guy and the center of much attention in the Diamondbacks clubhouse. His teammates love chatting with him because of his energy and positivity. But his baseball dream almost didn’t happen. Vargas, who joined his first professional league in his native Venezuela at age 16, spoke of the time he saw his aspirations of becoming a major leaguer fading.

“When the St. Louis Cardinals, my original organization, released me [in 2015], I thought it would be difficult to get there, but I did not give up, and I went to try my luck in an independent league. That’s why I thank the Arizona Diamondbacks so much, for giving me the opportunity.”

Vargas’ place in the Diamondbacks’ future is on an upswing, especially with Arizona’s trade in February of infielder Brandon Drury to the Yankees in a three-way deal. Vargas is getting playing time after undergoing wrist surgery last fall.

A perilous journey

Yasmani Tomás was also open and frank while talking with La Vida about the way he decided to leave his native Cuba to reach the United States to pursue his dream of trying to make to the majors. Tomás reflected on that journey, and it served to remind us how difficult it is for Cuban players to even make the decision to leave their native land and, just as difficult, the perilous journey involved in departing.

“Since 2008, when I started participating in tournaments with Cuba, [national team teammates] mentioned the possibility of coming to play in the big leagues. At that time, I was not very convinced, but in 2014, I made the decision to leave. When I arrived in Haiti, after 16 hours in a boat, I was happy — because I knew I had taken the first step.”

A triumph for his mom

D-Backs shortstop Ketel Marté faced a challenge that few players encounter so early in their careers — losing a parent. Marté, 24, shared the devastation of losing his mother, who died last year at age 39 in a traffic accident. And, significantly, he reminded us that his teammates acted as an extended family that provided the support he needed to grieve — and press forward.

“I came to the big leagues, largely because of her,” Marté said. “I really owe her everything. She already knew that they were going to draft me, I was waiting for the news, but when they finally got me, I called her, and she cried a lot. When my mother, Elpidia, passed away last year, it was important, the support that my colleagues gave me, my other great family — that of the Diamondbacks.”

Marté currently has the edge in starting at shortstop for Arizona on Opening Day.

Futból fans

All three Diamondbacks players talked about a different pitch with La Vida — the soccer pitch. These players are looking forward to this summer’s World Cup in Russia, and also discussed their passionate futból fandom and participation in fan rivalry — specifically between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“I’m a fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo, and I’m hoping on my next vacation to go there and watch Real Madrid play live,” said Tomás.

Vargas stands on the other side of the rivalry, that of Barça.

“I grew up admiring Ronaldinho, who was my favorite player of all time. Of course, I’m a Barcelona fan, and in the next World Cup I’m hooking up to Argentina, because it’s Messi’s team,” Vargas joked.

Featured Image: Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport

Inset Images: La Vida Baseball