Astros’ Daikin Park a sanctuary for diversity

HOUSTON – Astros fans express appreciation to their countries and those of their favorite baseball players often around Daikin Park. On any given day, you may see flags from Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Cuba raised and waved proudly. 

Fans also wear shirts that represent their country. They also aren’t afraid to grab the Astros’ or opposing players’ attention in their native tongue. 

I’ve seen patrons sport luchador mask and sombreros. The aroma of grilled onions tickles your nose as the hot dog vender prepares Mexican style bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

Outside of Daikin Park these days, though, many fans may fear to don their nation’s colors due to community unrest from the recent ICE raids. For now, at least, the home of the Houston Astros has become a sanctuary for diversity. 

Strong Latino presence

Even in the stands fans can purchase pupusas, a Salvadoran delicacy. Long lines form as Astros supporters buy fajita tacos and quesabirrias, Mexican imported beer, and corn in a cup, to name a few Latin American delicacies.

The Astros even featured tamales in the media dining room Wednesday night before pounding the White Sox.

Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown has enjoyed experiencing the different cultures in the Houston clubhouse. He’s learned a lot about the Dominican Republic. The young ace even enjoys the Dominican dish of oxtails and rice that his teammates bring to the clubhouse. 

“I think diversity is important because it gives us perspective,” Brown said. “I look around this clubhouse and you know how many different walks that everyone has. 

“It’s a great opportunity to see different cultures that maybe you probably wouldn’t had a chance to.”

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More than half of the Astros’ roster is comprised of Latino athletes. On Opening Day, 30 percent of MLB players were Latino. Astros manager Joe Espada and hitting coach Alex Cintron are Puerto Rican. 

Bench coach Omar Lopez is from Venezuela and has coached his country in the World Baseball Classic. Third Base coach Tony Perezchica was born in Mexicali, Mexico, and was raised in California. 

For years, a job in professional sports seemed unattainable. However now with many Latino coaches and players in the major leagues, it makes players happy to have a piece of their culture reach the stadium where they play.

Mauricio Dubon builds the bridge

These athletes have also helped pave the way for the new wave of Latino players. Mauricio Dubon is the only active player from Honduras. He’s one of only two Hondurans to have played in the majors. The utility player hopes that he won’t be the last Honduran. 

“It’s pretty crazy being the only one,” Dubon said. “You see a Honduran flag on the baseball field, you know it’s because of you.

“I’m trying to be the bridge for a young kid in Honduras that is trying to come out and see that the dream is not impossible. It’s a big deal for me.”

Many Latino baseball fans may feel unsafe to leave their house or go to work in fear of being questioned. Despite being a U.S. citizen, I even have contemplated if I need to carry my documents every time I leave my home because I may be racially profiled. 

The ICE raids were promised to combat only criminals who were in the United States, but the raids have now affected innocent people. A lot of immigrants have been separated from their families for minor infractions like an expired license plate or not having a license plate visible.

Astros all for diversity

ICE raids have also been conducted during graduations, in construction sites, outside courtrooms and immigration offices. 

Thus far though, at Daikin Park, and surely in other stadiums with large Latino communities, fans should feel safe expressing their culture because the players certainly feel pride in theirs and playing in front of people who look like them. 

“It feels good to represent my country,” Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes said. “I take great pride in that.

“Diversity is beautiful. It’s fun hanging out with all the guys and you learn different things from other countries. It’s a beautiful and unforgettable experience learning from each other’s cultures.”

Donald Trump’s crackdown at the moment is trying to create division. It is trying to push immigrants, who enhance and enrich our culture, out. America was built by immigrants, and it is maintained by immigrants. 

I’d say one should learn from the Astros. They treasure each of their teammates’ culture and are open to learn and strengthen their knowledge from one another. 

The Astros have not only brought a winning culture to Houston. They also built a culture that operates on acceptance and empathy inside their clubhouse.