Harold Capote Fernandez | Diego Naranjo Cevallos
With tangible results, derived from consistent work, Harold Castro managed to establish himself first as one of the most respectable bats in Venezuelan Professional Baseball with Leones del Caracas, and then as a consistent piece in the scheme of the Detroit Tigers in the Major Leagues.
In the recent tournaments of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP), extra-sports reasons took him away from the local diamonds. In fact, with a degree of affirmative character we can assert that his ball qualities have been greatly lacking in the actions of the long-haired.
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Asked about this point, he himself, in an exclusive interview offered to Meridiano, clears the picture in a very positive tone for all Caraquistas.
“There is a very good opportunity to play with the Lions this year,” said the skilled player. “In previous seasons there have been several problems that have prevented me from playing. First it was the pandemic and then my American residence papers. I already have all that resolved. If I finish the season healthy here with the Tigers, there is a very good chance of go play there. I have kept in touch with the management. The fact that the Caribbean Series is played there is a motivation. We would like to repeat that of winning the Caribbean Series playing at home,” he stressed.
Historically, the southpaw has had a privileged ability to make contact with the ball, in addition to a good knowledge of the strike zone. Based on both qualities, he was in charge of developing other skills, among them, the one that allows him to be today one of the most brilliant utility players in the Majors.
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“I’m working very hard on my game to be a consistent player,” Castro acknowledged. “I’ve worked on various factors of my game, especially on the deep pitches. Before I used to give him a lot to left field, now I try to get ahead of the ball. I think that’s what has worked for me for these home runs. The work I’m doing is paying off and we hope I can continue to improve. I’m more of a contact hitter and I look for extra-base hits, but if I can hit these balls better.”
Already established in the best baseball in the world, the number 30 of the Bengalis has experienced sweet moments, historical for the highest level of this discipline.
“Playing in the Major Leagues is a privilege that God gave me,” he said. “In these three years with the Tigers I have witnessed Miggy’s 500th home run and 3,000th hit. As a Venezuelan it is an honor because he is the greatest of us.”
Finally, Castro indicated his pleasure at being part of the current stage of renewal that felines are experiencing, a group in which an interesting litter of young talent converges.
“We have a good team, with a lot of young talent,” acknowledged the Venezuelan. “In addition, good players like (Javier) Baéz and Eduardo (Rodríguez) joined. Things are not going well right now because we are not hitting in a timely manner, but it is a matter of making some adjustments. The pitching is very good. In a short time this team will be in Play Off”, he concluded.
