Hispanic Players See Game Time as Norfolk Baseball Swings into Season

Perspective. That's what changes when you step onto the ball field at Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk. The Baltimore Orioles Triple A team, the Norfolk Tides, play an impressive 144 games in 152 days. As grueling as the schedule sounds, you'll find no complaints. Among the Hispanic players in the club, hard work and dedication are as commonplace as hotdogs and cracker jacks.

While they look like seasoned veterans, some of the players have started from less than ideal beginnings. Outfielder Luis Terrero is from Barahona, Dominican Republic. "A lot of guys where I'm from, they don't go to school, don't do anything," he said. "They are just trying to feed their families." Drive and determination got him where he is today. "My family didn't want me to play baseball. They wanted me to go to school, go to university to get a degree." His life changed the day a scout showed up at his home. "First you have to go to school and stay out of trouble," Terrero said when prompted to offer advice for young players. "Then you have to fight for your dreams." Looking back, he wouldn't change his decision. "There will be hard times, but if you work hard you will have no regret at all."

Top pitching prospect Radhames Liz, from El Seybor, DR, first started playing at 16 years old, and wasn't sure he would succeed. "I liked baseball, and I told my brother that I was going to practice for two years, and if I didn't sign in that time, I would quit." So, how did Liz find success? "Focusing and hard work is how I achieved this." He also credits support from his family. "It's like a dream," he said.

While some see baseball as a relaxing day at the park, in reality, it's a sport where competition for playing time is always at the forefront. Pitcher Roberto Novoa from Santo Domingo, DR, who has seen action with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, understands the rigors of a heavy schedule as well as anyone. His teammate, Esteban Yan, from San Pedro de Macoris, DR, lists seven major league teams on his resume. "Most of the guys here are experienced," Yan said. "We aren't a team of young guys."

Getting called up to the Orioles is not just a matter of outstanding talent, but waiting for an opening in the roster. Infielder Eider Torres from Maracaibo, Venezuela, knows that well, recently getting the nod to join Baltimore. "I am so happy right now," he said. He credits hard work and personal commitment for his success.

Terrero, who has played for Arizona, and more recently the Chicago White Sox, echoed that sentiment. "Right now, the only thing I can control is play hard, work hard every day," he said. "That's the only thing human beings can do. The other part is in God's hands."

Having spent time with the Orioles last season, Liz is very appreciative of what he has accomplished, but won't rest on his laurels just yet. "I continue to work hard and dedicate myself to baseball," he said.
While they are grateful for where they are and the opportunity to play, the players realize it's nothing without the fans. Except for an occasional Dominican meal at Mi Tierra restaurant in Virginia Beach, busy schedules and sparse time off give them little time to enjoy what the area has to offer, which makes building up the fan base in the Hispanic community so important. "We want the Latinos to come out and support us as we try and do our best," Yan said. "The only thing I ask of the fans is to come to the games, follow us. Keep supporting the game."

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