Raised in the heart of a baseball legend, I learned to deeply respect this sport, not only for the statistics, but for the soul that resides behind the uniform. My father, Hall of Famer Tony Pérez, taught me that greatness is found in character, heart, and unconditional love for the game.
I had the privilege of learning this lesson and experiencing it alongside three men who are now entering the Hall of Fame: Billy Wagner, CC Sabathia, and Ichiro Suzuki.
Billy Wagner: Humility and Dedication
In 1996, before Cooperstown was even a dream for Billy Wagner, we shared a team in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League in Puerto Rico. There, Billy proved to be a young pitcher with a powerful arm and a quiet intensity. What impressed me most was his humility. He didn’t seek to dominate, but to learn and honor the game, with an admirable work ethic.
CC Sabathia: Leadership and Heart
A decade later, in 2006, I coincided with CC Sabathia in Cleveland. He was already an imposing figure, with electrifying talent and innate leadership. What stood out most was his deep commitment: to the team, to his teammates, and to the responsibility of leading his franchise. CC pitched as if protecting something sacred, reminding me of my father.
A personal and significant memory: every time I wasn’t in the starting lineup, CC would join me on the stationary bike in the fifth inning. They were moments of conversation, of life and baseball, where he proved to be a present and supportive teammate.
Ichiro Suzuki: Precision and Discipline
That same year, in Seattle, I shared a locker room with Ichiro Suzuki. If Billy brought strength and CC heart, Ichiro brought harmony. His precision, preparation, and pride were evident in every movement. His discipline was exceptional, meticulously studying the game and living under the rigor of time.
I remember an unforgettable moment: in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, in which I was going through a bad batting slump. I borrowed one of Ichiro’s bats. I managed to get a hit. Although I wasn’t happy, Ichiro gave me back the bat with an inscription, demonstrating implicit respect for his work.
These three men, Billy, CC, and Ichiro, are now baseball immortals. Their greatest achievement does not reside in Cooperstown, but in their authenticity, dedication, and respect for the game and those around them. They played for the love of baseball.
For me, who grew up in the locker room of the “Red Machine” and whose father taught me to honor this game with every swing and every breath, that is the greatest tribute there is.
To Billy, CC, and Ichiro, thank you for letting me share a piece of your remarkable journey. Baseball is better because of you, and I am better for having played alongside you.
