The star pitcher Aroldis Chapman, one of the greatest relievers in history, made it clear in a recent interview that his connection with Cuba is behind him: "I don't miss anything".
Full of confidence, the person from Holguín elaborated: "I don't know if it's because of time, but the truth is that I don't. At first, I missed the neighborhood, the friends, but after that, nothing."
During the dialogue with Dominican journalist Yancen Pujols on the YouTube platform, the Guinness record holder for the fastest pitch ever recorded (105.8 miles per hour) recalled the difficulties he faced on the island before his departure.
"When I was a child, I had nothing," he confessed. Even when he received his first check as a professional baseball player, he kept it for a long time, still processing the drastic change in his life.
The path to freedom was not easy for the athlete. In 2008, he was intercepted during an attempt to illegally leave Cuba while preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games. Despite that setback, he eventually managed to escape and build a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The transition was not without sacrifices. Chapman recalled that he spent about three years unable to reunite with his family until he managed to bring them with him. "It's really difficult. I spent a few years, it was like three, until I could bring my parents. And everything was different after that," he recounted.
The pitcher also described the harsh conditions he lived in Cuba as a high-performance athlete. "A lot of training and little food. Living day to day," he expressed, reflecting the precarious reality faced by many athletes on the island.
Aroldis Chapman, who has made his mark in the Major Leagues with his powerful fastball, not only found success outside of Cuba but also left behind a past filled with hardships and limitations.
His message, direct and devoid of nostalgia, reflects the reality of many Cuban athletes who choose to emigrate in search of a better future. Currently, despite being 36 years old, he continues to experience a sweet moment from a sports perspective.
"The Cuban Missile" has recently signed a one-year, $10.7 million contract with the Boston Red Sox and seems ready to take on a new challenge in his career after a prior season with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Chapman's arrival at the Red Sox generates high expectations, as his experience and ability to excel in high-pressure situations make him a key asset for Boston's bullpen.
With 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, 335 saves, and an average of 14.7 strikeouts per nine innings, the flamethrower aims to reaffirm his place among the greatest relievers of all time.
The story also tells that the two times he was in the World Series, he exited in grand style: he won with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, and then he did so two seasons ago representing the Texas Rangers.
Despite the passage of time, Chapman remains a reference for Cuban talent in professional baseball, and all indications are that he will be ready to face the challenges of the competitive American League East Division in the upcoming MLB season.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aroldis Chapman and His Relationship with Cuba
Why does Aroldis Chapman claim that he doesn't miss anything about Cuba?
Aroldis Chapman declared that he misses nothing about Cuba due to the difficulties and hardships he experienced on the island before his departure. Although at first he missed his neighborhood and friends, over time he moved past those feelings of nostalgia, reflecting a common reality among many Cuban athletes who emigrate in search of a better future.
What was Aroldis Chapman's process of leaving Cuba like?
The path to freedom for Aroldis Chapman was not easy. In 2008, he was intercepted while attempting an illegal exit from Cuba as he was preparing for the Beijing Olympic Games. Despite that setback, he ultimately succeeded in escaping and building a successful career in Major League Baseball.
What challenges did Aroldis Chapman face when emigrating from Cuba?
Chapman faced several challenges when emigrating, including spending about three years without being able to reunite with his family. He had to adapt to a new life away from the shortages and restrictions of Cuba, while establishing his career in Major League Baseball.
What has Aroldis Chapman's career in Major League Baseball been like?
Aroldis Chapman has had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball with 14 seasons, 335 saves, and an average of 14.7 strikeouts per nine innings. He is known for his powerful fastball and has made his mark as one of the best relief pitchers in history, as well as winning two World Series and receiving the Mariano Rivera Award for Best Reliever.
Filed under:
