Ramon Urias proudly represents Magdalena de Kino, Sonora

Growing up in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora, Mexico, Astros infielder Ramon Urias always aspired to be a big leaguer one day. For as long as he can remember, the Gold Glove winner had one goal – playing in the big leagues.

“I always thought and dreamed about it. I knew it was difficult,” Urias, who was traded from the Orioles to the Astros last week, told Our Esquina in 2021. “I knew I was going to need a lot of work and luck.”

Urias was 16 years old when the Texas Rangers scouted him in Mexico in 2010. The Rangers eventually took a chance on him, offering him a contract. 

His path to the majors was never easy. Urias had to persevere and wait patiently for his turn. It took Urías nine seasons to reach the big leagues while playing for three different MLB organizations and navigating the minor leagues.

Elite defense

Urias finally got his shot in the majors when the Baltimore Orioles called him up in 2020. He appeared in only 10 games that season.

Then in 2021, Urias led American League rookies in on-base percentage. He ranked fourth among all rookies in on-base percentage that season. He played all around the infield, but he played most of his games at third base. 

Ramon Urias won the Rawlings Gold Glove award in 2022 with the Orioles, earning a spot in Mexican baseball history as just the fourth Mexican-born player to win the Rawlings Gold Glove.

He was the first Mexican-born player to win a Gold Glove since the legendary Fernando Valenzuela, another Sonora native, won it in 1986.

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Urias attributes his accolades to the place that instilled his competitive spirit, the state of Sonora. Sonora has produced 40 major leaguers, including Astros All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes, whose hamstring injury prompted the Astros to acquire Ramon Urias.  

“I think that the youth leagues in Sonora are very strong,” Urias says. “There have always been very good players coming out of our leagues, and that’s what our success comes from.”

Proud Sonoran

In an Astros uniform, Ramón will cross paths with his younger brother, Luis Urias, an infielder for the Athletics. Luis followed Ramon’s footsteps from Sonora to the majors.

“It’s very special to share the big leagues with my brother,” Ramon Urias said. “I am always proud of what he achieves. We have a very good relationship. We are close and happy to have that blessing.”

Luis and Ramon Urias are two of three MLB players in history who were born in their hometown, according to Baseball Reference. Ramon Urias, now a proven infielder in the big leagues, never forgets his roots. He holds a strong appreciation for where he grew up. 

“I am always proud of my people,” Ramon Urias said. “I’m always trying to represent the name of my town the best I can, representing it with great pride.”

The Astros gave right-handed pitcher Twine Palmer in exchange for Ramon Urias. Urias appeared in 77 games this season for the Orioles, hitting eight home runs with a .688 OPS.

While he’s not known for his offensive abilities, Urias’ superb defense and versatility can support the Astros’ pitchers. The Mexican infielder’s versatility will provide many options for the Astros moving forward.

^{Featured art courtesy of the Astros.}