They say that his presence has been one of the keys for Pinar del Río to be where it is today and that it has served as motivation for veterans and rookies of a team that last year finished in 14th place in the standings.
But, with a modesty that would not fit in any stadium in the world, Alexei Ramírez assures that he is just another athlete, committed to the cause of the Vegueros and that, in a sport like baseball, “we are all the inspiration.”
After a long and successful career in the major leagues, his decision to return to play in Cuba is one of the most widespread news of this National Series.
He says that he came to fulfill his uncle’s dream, that he had asked to see him again with the Pinar del Río team and that he has been surprised by the affection with which he is received wherever he goes.
«It is an incredible thing. “I always thought they would treat me with love, but it has been much more than I expected.”
It has not only happened in Pinar del Río. «In every stadium I have been to they have given me that recognition. People greet me, they stop me, they ask me for photos. It is something that must be experienced and I am very happy and very grateful for that.”
An average of more than 370, with 14 home runs, 15 doubles and 66 runs batted in, speak for themselves about his contribution to the team and the enormous sporting talent of someone who had already finished his career and who barely had time to train.
«I had not been in organized baseball for six years. I only supported myself by playing ball or softball on Sundays. “What I had to prepare for this series was two weeks.”
Despite the old saying that what is learned well is never forgotten, Alexei warns that going out on the field one day is not the same as during a complete tournament of 75 games.
«That’s why I think things have turned out better than I expected. Thank God I have remained in good health and I have been able to help the boys.
Between the Pinar del Río team with which he participated in seven seasons before leaving to try himself in the best baseball in the world and the one he found upon his return, he recognizes that there are marked differences.
«That was a more consolidated team, with more established players, with more skill, as I say. And in this one, most of the guys are 20 years old. They are different stages. However, they are players who are giving everything on the field.”
He couldn’t be more satisfied with the performance of the Vegueros this season.
“I feel super happy because everyone is giving their all, playing hard and look how they fill the stadium.”
Neither his history as a former big leaguer, accustomed to other types of conditions, nor the fact that he is twice the age of most of his teammates, have been obstacles to his integration into the green team.
«I had already played with the most veterans like William Saavedra. He always called them when they reached the playoffs, he gave them advice and we maintained that chemistry.
«And young people make you infected with their energy, feel happier and more motivated. “I try to be on par with them and help each other.”
His relationship with Luis Giraldo Casanova has also been among the distinctive notes of this series, based on the statements of the “sir baseball player” that he was called to the team at Alexei’s request.
«Casanova needs no introduction. He is someone who has given everything for the province and the country. And I also believe that he is the best hitting coach that exists in Cuba today. So, who better than him to have by my side?
One might think that someone who has spent nine years in the big leagues already knows it all. At this point in life, what can you have left to learn?
«Every day you learn something different and in the case of Casanova, we have always maintained communication and we are very close.
«Once he went to one of my games in the United States and corrected many of my mistakes.
