Astros rookie Alimber Santa proves mom’s prediction right

HOUSTON – Pinned to Alimber Santa’s instagram photos is a picture that his mother Idaise Reyes posted in 2016. The picture featured 13-year-old Santa donning a Miami Marlins hat, shorts and shirt.

He wore long black socks and cleats. His mother posed on the right side. The caption read Mi futuro pelotero (My future baseball player).

The Azua, Dominican Republic, native took a screenshot of the old Facebook post and saved it in his photos. He and his mom have rejoiced over the memories that photograph has brought them.

Santa promised his mother he would post the picture once he made it to the majors. Ten years later and earlier than expected, the 23-year-old right-hander received the news he was promoted to the Astros on May 26. Six days after he made his debut, he posted the photo along with other memorable memories Santa had with his family that led to his dream. 

“Its a special moment for me,” Santa said. “I thank God that dream came true and I got to post the picture. It feels so great being here.”

Historic no-hitter

Santa’s mom was the first person he called on his way to Chicago to meet the Astros after he was promoted to the majors last month. The rookie fireballer waited anxiously to deliver the news to the person who helped him achieve his goals. Nonetheless the rings ended and the call went to voicemail. Reyes missed the call while doing errands. 

He called his dad Juan Santa next. Juan was the first to hear the news, and both shared the excitement. Reyes shed tears of sadness when Santa first left home to achieve his dream. Now tears of joy dripped from her eyes after her prediction came true.

“They were both super happy,” Alimber Santa said of his parents. “We thank God, and I also thanked them. We talked about all the hard work and sacrifices to get here. Now, I want to stay here as long as possible.”

More from Our Esquina

Astros prospect Alimber Santa recalls sacrifices

Isaac Paredes fulfills promise to abuela

Ronel Blanco dedicates no-hitter to his family

Heading to the mound on May 26, Santa didn’t know he was walking into a potential no-hitter. He tried to get over his nerves by reminding himself to throw strikes. Santa tossed two perfect innings and struck out Brandon Nimmo to close out the Astros’ 18th no-hitter in team franchise history. 

After the game, Santa’s phone started buzzing with notifications. It was then where he realized what he had accomplished. The 5-foot-10 reliever became the second pitcher in MLB history to pitch in a no-hitter in his major league debut since Bumpus Jones in 1892. 

“In the moment I didn’t know I accomplished history,” Santa said. “It was when I logged in to Instagram and I saw my video and my face all over. I was like ‘Oh my God.’ I was surprised and gave thanks to God.”

Locked in early

Santa has impressed the Astros thus far. He represented them in last year’s Future’s Game in Atlanta. Astros manager Joe Espada trusted Santa enough to let him try to finish the no-hitter Tatsuya Imai and Steven Okert started against the Rangers in Arlington. 

Besides the no-hitter milestone, Santa eventually became the first Astro pitcher to retire the first 18 consecutive batters he faced to begin his career. Early in his career he holds a 1.50 ERA and a 0.33 WHIP. 

“He’s a calm and poised young pitcher,” Espada said. “His first outing was a no-hitter, so that tells you how much I trust him. I believe in his stuff, and he’s developing nicely. Hopefully he continues to grow and develop into a good reliever.”