22 blessings this Thanksgiving
-
José de Jesus Ortiz, Founder & Editor in Chief
- November 24, 2022
Family, titles and awards highlight the year's Thanksgiving blessings
Latinos have shone throughout the sports world this year, from the basketball court to the baseball diamond, the boxing ring and the NASCAR and Formula 1 race tracks. On this Thanksgiving, we are highlighting 22 of the sports blessings for which we are most thankful in 2022.
Astros Family Thanksgiving early
Familia is paramount in Latino culture, and the baseball season provided some of the most heartwarming storylines of the year. The postseason for the Astros was full of Thanksgiving as parents saw their sons play in person for the first time in the majors.
Cuban slugger Yordan Alvarez’s parents were finally able to watch him play in person in the major leagues. Until August, the 2019 American League Rookie of the Year’s parents could watch him only on television in the Dominican Republic as they waited for their visas to join him in the United States.
Astros lefthander Framber Valdez’s father fought his fear of flying to travel from the Dominican Republic to watch his son pitch in person in the majors for the first time in Game 2 of the World Series.
Three days later, Cristian Javier combined for a no-hitter against the Phillies as his parents watched him in person in the majors for the first time. Bryan Abreu, who pitched in the combined no-hitter and dominated in the postseason, also pitched in front of his parents for the first time this postseason.
2 Proud Mexican champ Juan Toscano-Anderson
Before joining the Lakers, Juan Toscano-Anderson became the second Mexican American to win an NBA title. He was a member of the Golden State Warriors’ championship team.
He embraced his Mexican roots while celebrating the title and visiting the President of Mexico.
3 Grand Theft Alvarado
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Jose Alvarado embodied perseverance and persistence while securing a contract with a flurry of steals.
Alvarado’s highlight reel of steals became a viral sensation.
4 Sergio Perez
Checo Perez won the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the first Mexican driver to win the prestigious race.
5 Daniel Suarez
The Monterrey, Mexico, native made history in Sonoma in June when he became the first native of Mexico to win a NASCAR Cup Series race. Daniel Suarez has proudly raised the Mexican flag as a NASCAR trailblazer.
6 Chris Olave
A year after becoming Ohio State’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions, New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave is a prime candidate for Rookie of the Year.
The Cuban American from the San Diego area is already among the most feared receivers in the NFL.
7 Sandy Alcantara
Miami Marlins righthander Sandy Alcantara was a unanimous selection for the National League Cy Young Award. The Dominican Republic native earned his second All-Star berth and became the first native of Latin America to win the Cy Young in 25 years.
8 Dusty Baker
The Astros’ manager Dusty Baker, who proudly speaks Spanish and has the most Latino coaches in the majors, finally won a World Series title as a manager.
Baker became the first Black manager to win 2,000 games as a manager.
9 Damien Martinez
Oregon State freshman running back Damien Martinez has proven to be one of the best freshmen in college football this season. He was criminally underrated as a three-star recruit out of Lewisville (Texas) High, but he’s on pace for 1,000 rushing yards this season.
10 Jaime Jaquez Jr.
The UCLA forward is a preseason All-America after returning for his senior season. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is arguably the best Mexican American to play college basketball.
11 Chris Duarte
The Indiana Pacers guard had a sensational rookie season with the Indiana Pacers. Chris Duarte often showcased his Dominican Republic roots with pride.
12 Al Horford
The Boston Celtics’ veteran star made history by becoming the first native of the Dominican Republic to play in the NBA Finals.
His Celtics lost, but he made his presence felt and was celebrated throughout his native island.
13 Latinos at the NBA All-Star Game
Dominican American Karl-Anthony Towns and Mexican American Juan Toscano-Anderson shone during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game weekend.
Towns won the 3-point contest, and Toscano Anderson finished second in the Slam Dunk Contest.
14 Tony Oliva
The Twins legend finally took his place among the immortals in Cooperstown, N.Y., as a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Tony Oliva’s induction was made extra special because his brother was able to get a travel visa to travel from Cuba to attend the ceremony.
15 David Ortiz
Big Papi was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and he brought a large piece of the Dominican Republic to celebrate with him in Cooperstown, N.Y.
16 Julio Urias
The Los Angeles Dodgers left hander was snubbed from an All-Star bid, but he proved to be one of the best pitchers in baseball this year.
Urias made history as the first native of Mexico to lead the National League in ERA. He finished the season as the ace of the Dodgers’ staff.
17 Albert Pujols
The St. Louis Cardinals legend finished his career in storybook fashion, regaining his old home run stroke to get into the 700-home run club.
His next stop will be in Cooperstown in five years.
18 Julio Rodriguez
The J-Rod Show was a hit in Seattle and the majors. Dominican Republic center fielder Julio Rodriguez lived up to the hype and more, leading the Seattle Mariners to their first playoff appearance in 21 years.
He was the American League Rookie of the Year. Rodriguez was also the breakout star of the Home Run Derby during the All-Star Game festivities at Dodger Stadium.
19 Jeremy Peña
The Astros’ rookie shortstop accomplished what seemed impossible, replacing two-time All-Star Carlos Correa with ease. Many Houstonians will count La Tormenta among their blessings this Thanksgiving.
Jeremy Peña accomplished more than anybody had a right to expect. He helped the Astros win the World Series while earning the ALCS and World Series MVP Awards. He also earned a Gold Glove while captivating Houston with his smile and charisma.
20 Framber Valdez
The Astros lefthander ascended into prominence this season while setting the record for the most consecutive quality starts in a season. He also led the AL in complete games with three.
More importantly, Valdez won Games 2 and 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies to help the Astros win their second World Series title.
21 Combined no-hitters
The Astros threw a pair of combined no-hitters on the biggest stages. Dominican righthander Cristian Javier started both, dominating the Yankees in the first one and then the Phillies in Game 4 of the World Series.
22 Nasty Nestor Cortes
The Cuban lefthander Nestor Cortes Jr. proved to be one of the best pitchers in the majors. The first-time All-Star had a magical season while helping to lead the Yankees to the American League Championship Series.
José de Jesus Ortiz
Founder & Editor in Chief
Award-winning writer José de Jesus Ortiz, a former lead sports columnist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, has covered Major League Baseball since 1997 in Los Angeles, St. Petersburg, New York and Houston. He was the first Latino to serve as president of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Stay in the Loop
Get the Our Esquina Email Newsletter
By submitting your email, you are agreeing to receive additional communications and exclusive content from Our Esquina. You can unsubscribe at any time.