In a country where Lionel Messi and their football team constantly monopolize the headlines, it can be difficult to come up with. That applies even to other top-level players in football. So what can be left for a group of kids trying to make a name for themselves by hitting a ball with a bat instead of their feet?
Maybe for them it’s about doing things the other way around. Gain renown abroad, and then demand the same attention at home. A tournament like Americas Serieswhich was disputed until this past Friday in Venezuelaafter the country was stripped of the headquarters of the Caribbean Series several weeks ago, it may be an interesting option to achieve it.
“A tournament like this, for us Argentines, is a great showcase,” acknowledged the young receiver. Felipe Villasanti. “Not only to be able to play in MLB or in their system, but also to be able to do it in the Venezuelan, Panamanian, Colombian, Nicaraguan leagues, everywhere.
Although Venezuelan culture has considerably impacted the interest in playing ball in Argentinathe belief that the entire national team of that country was made up of immigrants from the only South American nation where baseball is the main sport is totally wrong.
Villasanti, 20, is one of several proofs of that. With the traditional Argentine accent, this amateur baseball player explained how he intends to take advantage of this international opportunity, in a contest that, in addition to Argentina they disputed Curacao, Panama, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua and the place Venezuelato improve and, why not?, reach the professional.
“In general it is a tournament with a very high level, very good. As a player you dream of playing with people like this,” said the mask, who was able to share with some of the great figures of the championship, such as the Venezuelans. Rougned Odor, Renato Nunez, Felipe Rivero and Tucupita Marcano. “Playing at their level and having the opportunity to face them is something beautiful for many of us who are amateurs,” he added.
Not having the professional label comes with many vicissitudes that go beyond performance on the field. Villasanti, like many of his teammates, has a regular job, outside of baseball, that allows him to save money to pay for his local trips and equipment required to play.
“These guys are awesome,” he said. Yaferson Lopeza Venezuelan pitcher who emigrated to Argentina eight years ago and who defends the colors of his adopted country in this Americas Series. “In my case I live 100% from baseball, but they work eight hours a day, after that they go to the stadium and deliver everything, and then go to the gym to train. They go to bed at 12-1 in the morning when they get home. They are impressive, guys who work hard. They have many shortcomings because they don’t get paid anything when they travel. They pay for their things in all the tournaments. It’s difficult to be here, they are guys who work a lot.”
Host Solidarity
But as ironic as it may sound, that situation may have created the most emotional moment of the entire championship.
Last Friday, February 6, on the second day of the tournament, Argentina faced the great favorite and host, Venezuela, at the Simón Bolívar Monumental Stadium in Caracas, one of the two venues of the tournament along with the La Guaira Forum in Macuto.
The locals took the victory, as predicted, by a score of 7-2; However, it could be said that the real triumph came minutes later, when the Venezuelan players, all professionals and many with experience in the Major Leaguesthey approached the Argentinians to greet them and ask them if they needed anything.
Núñez and Rivero, both with long careers in baseball that eventually led to the big leagues, gave gifts to Villasanti and López.
“After the match ended, Renato told me he had something for me,” Villasanti recalled. “I asked myself what it would be, although whatever it was suited me because we bought all the materials we have, from our jobs. We saved a lot to be able to do it. Arriving at the clubhouse and him sending me some spikes or hooks (shoes to practice baseball) was something beautiful, an incredible detail that speaks of his humility, because he doesn’t have to do it. It never happened to me before in my life and I am very grateful to him,” he added.
Now, with new clothing, memories and experiences, the goal remains to make baseball grow in the land of Messi.
“Obviously I dream of reaching the Major Leagues, it’s what I want most. But if it’s not me, what I want is for an Argentine boy to sign and go as far as possible,” Villasanti concluded.
