The Journey of Latin American Players in Minor League Baseball
EDITOR’S NOTE: Quotes from Esmerlyn Valdez have been translated from Spanish to English by Altoona Curve teammate Omar Alfonzo.
Baseball, often dubbed America’s pastime, is more than just a game; it’s a dream for many aspiring athletes worldwide. Among those chasing this dream are Latin American players, who face unique challenges as they transition from their home countries to the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB) and its developmental leagues.
The Challenge of Adjustment
For many players, the journey begins with the aspiration to join one of the 30 MLB teams. However, the path is fraught with obstacles, not only in terms of skill but also in adapting to a new culture. Omar Alfonzo, a catcher and first baseman for the Altoona Curve, reflects on this stark contrast: “This is a hard sport, and this is not like Latin America. We’re used to it. It’s a lot different. It’s hard.”
Esmerlyn Valdez, an outfielder from the Dominican Republic, shares his initial feelings of strangeness upon arriving in the U.S. “When I came here, I felt a little bit weird because I had never been around a lot of fans,” he says. This sentiment captures the essence of the cultural shift many players experience.
Roots in the Dominican Republic
Valdez hails from San Juan de la Maguana, a small town known more for its agricultural contributions than for its baseball prowess. “You don’t see too much stuff,” he explains. “All you see is baseball and some other stuff.” This singular focus on baseball fueled his passion and led him to pursue a professional career.
In the 2021 offseason, Valdez signed as an international free agent with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His journey through the minor leagues began with the Florida Complex Pirates in 2022, culminating in his AA debut with the Altoona Curve in 2025. Each step of the way, he learned to navigate not just the game but also the nuances of American culture.
Learning and Adapting
Valdez acknowledges the challenges of language and cultural differences but remains optimistic. “Right now, I know a little bit of English, but I’m really good,” he says, emphasizing his commitment to improvement. His experience is not solitary; he finds support from teammates who share similar backgrounds, making the transition less daunting.
A Legacy of Support
Omar Alfonzo’s story is intertwined with his father’s legacy. Eliezer Alfonso, a Venezuelan-born catcher, immigrated to the U.S. after signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. His journey through various teams, including the independent St. Paul Saints, laid the groundwork for Omar’s own path. Born in Minnesota, Alfonzo had a slightly easier adjustment, yet he remains deeply connected to his Venezuelan roots.
“My dad played for 12 or 13 years here in the States,” Alfonzo recalls. “For me, it’s been a little bit easier because I grew up a little bit here and in Minnesota too.” This duality of experience allows him to empathize with teammates like Valdez, who are navigating the complexities of life away from home.
The Importance of Unity
Understanding the challenges of life on the road, Alfonzo emphasizes the importance of camaraderie among teammates. Many players face long stretches away from their families, making the bonds formed within the team crucial for emotional support. “We always support them,” Alfonzo says. “We talked to them, like, ‘Hey, you can do this, this and that.’”
Valdez echoes this sentiment, stating, “We’re like a big family because we’re teammates. They help you out a lot with all this stuff.” This sense of unity not only fosters personal growth but also enhances team performance.
A Shared Goal
The Altoona Curve recently faced the Erie Seawolves in the Eastern League Semifinals, a testament to their hard work and teamwork. As they prepare for the next season, the players understand that their shared love for baseball transcends cultural differences. “When it’s about baseball, all that matters is winning,” Alfonzo asserts. “It doesn’t matter where you are from; we’re always going to be together. That’s the beautiful thing about baseball.”
Through their journeys, players like Valdez and Alfonzo exemplify the resilience and determination required to succeed in the world of baseball, proving that while the road may be challenging, the bonds formed along the way make the journey worthwhile.