Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages proves toughness

HOUSTON – Andy Pages gave a tiny smirk when he recalled his earliest memory on the baseball field. Being from Havana, Cuba, the Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder quickly learned that toughness was needed to persevere. 

The young Pages demonstrated toughness the way most Latino boys know how. Trying to prove himself, Pages found himself in the midst of brawls. Having fought his teammates once too many times, Pages was kicked off his team. His coach had enough. 

However, a coach he knew only as Cheo saw something in him. After Pages was ousted from his childhood ballclub, Cheo offered Pages a place on his team. Cheo took the young slugger under his wing and reminded him that he had the potential to be great. 

Thanks to the advice he received from a stranger who turned into a mentor, the 25-year-old righthander has earned an everyday role with the two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers.

“He showed me things that still help me now that are important for baseball,” Pages said of Cheo. “As a child I sometimes didn’t listen to his advice much. But now reflecting as an adult that advice works.”

Missing home

Pages, who was the third ranked prospect in 2024 before making his MLB debut, hit 27 home runs and 86 RBIs last season. There was uncertainty whether he could man the outfield constantly. Nonetheless, his elite arm and seven outfield assists answered that question.

Although he’s had success at every level of the Dodgers’ organization, the biggest struggle for Pages is being away from his family in Cuba. He recalls his parents buying him new equipment when he first showed interest in baseball. His father was always available to play catch in the street when he didn’t have practice or a game. 

More from Our Esquina

Andy Pages, Dodgers capitalize on error to reach NLCS

Teoscar Hernandez chases second World Series ring

Jose Vizcaino makes a difference with Dodgers

Remembering everything his parents have done for him brings mixed emotions, though. That is what motivates him to push forward. 

“There are days that get sad when I think about my family back home,” he said. “However, the first thing that comes to mind is I have to do this. I have to give it my all so they can be proud of me back home.”

Andy Pages is working to expand on his success from the 2025 season. That starts with his mindset. He’s learned from veteran teammate Teoscar Hernandez, of the importance of having a positive mindset.

Pages tries not to dwell much during slumps because he believes it’ll make the matters worse. Instead, he starts every day like a new day. 

Wise advice

“The things that (veteran players) have taught me is that not every day will be a good day,” Pages said. “What makes a great player is the consistency to keep going and staying disciplined. If today wasn’t a good day, then you have to believe the next one will.”

The advice he received from Cheo in his youth to the ones he’s received from the veteran teammates have molded Pages to the player he is. Nonetheless, he’s still learning more about the game as he grows as a player.

“Andy (Pages)has truly matured in the past two years,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think he’s figuring out who he is as a major league ball player. He’s a middle of the (batting order) guy, hits to all fields. I’m just really proud of what he’s become and to have him as a Dodger farmhand. We are really proud of what he’s done.”

Pages took over the series against the Astros Wednesday afternoon at Daikin Park. He smashed a three-run home run in the third inning versus Lance McCullers. The young slugger followed that up by hitting a two-run home run fifth and a solo-shot in the ninth. He was a grand slam away from a home run cycle.