The 700th home run Albert Pujols It had a special meaning for Latinos. Unlike the first three players to achieve the mark, Pujols was born in the Dominican Republic. He grew up in Santo Domingo before moving to the United States as a teenager. His rise from a 13th round draft pick to one of the most outstanding players in Major League Baseball demonstrates the impact that the Dominican Republic, and Latin America as a whole, has had on the league.
His achievement as one of the most outstanding players in Major League Baseball demonstrates the impact that the Dominican Republic, and Latin America as a whole, has had on the league. hills he has led all foreign-born players in home runs since reaching No. 610 on August 22, 2017.
Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth had been the only ones to hit 700 home runs. Fittingly, the 700 HR came on the 66th anniversary of Ozzie Virgil Sr. becoming the first Dominican-born player to appear in a Major League game.
The affinity extends to players from other Latin American countries. In the same way that Roberto Clemente is recognized beyond Puerto Rico and Miguel Cabrera beyond Venezuela, Pujols has drawn the adulation of his fellow Latinos.
Both Julio Urías, from Mexico, and Brusdar Graterol, from Venezuela, said Pujols was an invaluable resource for Latinos, a respected presence of Spanish-speaking veterans that they did not have before.
“He is no longer a star. He is a legend, a living legend. And so, having all those numbers, having all those records, having all the people talk about him and still have that humility, continue to be a great teammate and show us that you always do it,” Urías said.
That also makes hills the first Latino player to reach the mark, doing so during Hispanic Heritage Month. He is at the top of numerous all-time lists and has firmly established himself as the most decorated foreign-born position player in the history of the sport.
“Do I jump or not jump? What should I do? It was just an amazing moment. He is someone who you can say is an example to follow. We are proud of your career. He has done a lot for Latinos,” Brusdar Graterol of the Dodgers mentioned.
Approximately 28.5% of the players in the league this year are Hispanic or Latino. In the All-Star Game, 26 of the 64 players who participated in the were Latino. This is a high number, since it represents 40% of the bench of both teams.
The teams alive for the 2022 playoffs
There are a couple of weeks left until the end of the 2022 regular season and some teams are already looking ahead to October. The Dodgers secured the top spot in the season playoffs and were followed by the Houston Astros, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, Yankees and Cleveland Guardians.
Meanwhile, clubs like the Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres are fighting for the remaining wild-card spots. Beyond the division races, there are plenty of stories to watch as the regular season draws to a close, like Seattle’s attempt to break a 21-year playoff drought, Aaron Judge’s run to 62 home runs and the Albert Pujols’ quest for 700 career home runs.
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