Isaac Paredes reunites with Mexican youth national team coach

HOUSTON –  Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes chatted with a familiar face on the field at Daikin Park on Tuesday afternoon. He was later joined by teammate Cesar Salazar and the Athletics’ Luis Urias.

Salazar, Urias and Paredes were pleased to see professor Alvaro Valenzuela. The quartet spent the entire time smiling and reminiscing about Sonora; Mexico, their home state.  

Paredes invited Valenzuela, who coached him and other major league players when they were younger, to watch his three players perform in the majors. The Guaymas, Sonora, native coached Paredes, Salazar and Urias when they represented Team Mexico during international tournaments. 

Valenzuela is a popular figure in Sonora. He has managed for more than 40 years. He’s won eight gold medals in international tournaments and tournaments hosted in Mexico. Besides Paredes, he helped develop brothers Ramon and Luis Urias, 10-year veteran Fernando Salas, and 2020 World Series champion Julio Urias, to name a few. 

Renowned coach

“It feels amazing,” Paredes said about having his childhood coach at Daikin Park. “It’s very special for the both of us.”

The 26-year-old third baseman sought out his former coach to invite him to the series. Valenzuela watched Paredes and his two other prodigies play on an MLB diamond for the first time. It was an emotional moment for the long-time coach. 

 “I’m very happy to be here,” Valenzuela said in Spanish. “Isaac invited me to see them where they belong: in the big leagues. I follow them on the television and on social media. I got so overjoyed when Isaac asked if I wanted to come see a series.”

More from Our Esquina

Isaac Paredes fulfills promise to abuela

Astros defense improves with coach Tony Perezchica

Isaac Paredes, Andres Muñoz share All-Star trek from Mexico

Isaac Paredes learned plenty from Valenzuela. As a child, Paredes was a fast learner. He quickly developed his talent and love for baseball. The Mexican slugger represented Mexico in international games after only a few years of experience. 

However, as a child, the 2024 All-Star struggled keeping his temper. During slumps, Paredes would get angry with himself and try to do too much. Alvaro Valenzuela was quick to take his players aside and talk at length about keeping calm on the diamond. 

Helpful conversations

Paredes recalls when he and Valenzuela chatted extensively during the Pan-American games against Colombia. Valenzuela reminded Paredes about not letting his temper get the best of him. Even today, when Paredes catches himself getting angry on the field, he reaches out to his former skipper. 

“He helped me wake up the talent I had,” Paredes said. “But most importantly he helped me learn a lot of things mentally. Overall, that has helped a lot.”

Valenzuela praised the hard work Paredes demonstrated as a child. His comments are similar to the praise Astros third base coach Tony Perezchica has stated this season.

The veteran coach remembers that Paredes always wanted to be out on the field. He always aimed to perfect his craft. Valenzuela playfully concedes that Paredes and he are crazy in love with baseball. 

“As a kid he was outstanding,” Valenzuela said of Paredes. “He was born to play baseball. He always had the right temperament and strong character to play in the majors.”

Continuing legacy

Isaac Paredes is grateful for his childhood coach. He still reaches out to him when he needs advice. Isaac Paredes wasn’t the first player Alvaro Valenzuela took under his wing, and he knows he also won’t be the last.

As an act of love and gratitude to his former skipper, Paredes has donated bats and other baseball equipment to keep the legacy going. The power-hitting slugger wants other Mexican baseball players to have the resources needed to become successful. 

“It feels great.” Paredes said about giving back. “I was one of those kids who needed help. Now that I can give back, it’s special for me to help.”