From the grounds of his childhood in the Dominican Republic, to the minor leagues of MLB and the France team, the infield is now the delight of Stade Toulousain, which is playing a place in the final this weekend. against Montpellier.
Sun setting on bare ground mixing yellowed grass and beaten earth, the whole is bordered by a hut of sheet metal frozen at the foot of venerable palm trees. Such was the typically Dominican setting when, from an early age and like many compatriots, Ariel Soriano fell in love with baseball. “It’s the national sport, I wanted to do like my dad and also imitate my big brother”, smiles the radiant player from Stade Toulousain. Originally from La Romana, in the southeast of the island, the then 17-year-old infielder was quick to catch the eye of MLB scouts. “One day a recruiter approached me, he worked for the Tampa Bay Rays and offered to draft me directly against a check for $ 33,000, the adventure started like this”, recalls Ariel who did not couldn’t refuse the offer. Off to Florida and minor league hell. In his suitcase, the essentials to be able to play, some memories of his island and the secret dream of one day doing like his idols, the “hall famers” Vladimir Guerrero senior, Pedro Martinez or David Ortiz all Dominicans. “I crisscrossed the United States for 8 years climbing the ranks of the minor leagues and then my contract came to an end,” he recalls about one of the turning points in his life. “They wanted to keep me but as a batsman’s coach, it was a good offer but I still wanted to play”, explains Ariel who then returned to the country before attempting the European bet.
France as a chance
“The French Federation contacted me and I said to myself that we had to try, to be honest I did not know that we played baseball in France”, assures the champion of France 2019 with Rouen. “I landed in La Rochelle then I went to Rouen, where I won a title, Sénart, Montpellier, Italy and of course the selection for the France team”, he proudly defends the blue shirt. Arrived at the start of the season in Toulouse, Ariel automatically made his mark in the locker room and in the city. “I like it here, my wife and my children too and the club is very family-oriented, everyone helps each other”, he explains as if to speak of the obvious.
Osmosis which also took place on the pitch where he brings his wisdom, his good humor and above all his experience. “We have the means to go to the final, I repeat to the youngest, we have the capacity and this season the table is both open and balanced, the only thing that will make the difference is motivation and concentration”, warns the 32-year-old guide who has already been consecrated and now wants to show the way to his teammates.
2023-09-02 04:53:42
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