Mi primera tacita de cafe - My first cup of Coffee
By Mi Primera Tacita de Cafe por Alexis La Cabra Figueroa
Entrevistas a atletas profesionales hablando sobre el dia que los llamaron para subirlos, sobre cuando le dieron la noticia y de el dia de su debut en las Grandes Ligas y el sentimiento dealcanzar ese sueño.
Interviews of professional athletes active and retired talking about their first game in the biggest stage of their respective sports (mostly MLB) the day they were told the news, their reaction to achieving the dream and their debut game. This will give listeners an insight of the hard work, determination, sacrifice and commitment it takes to get to the highest level even for a day.
Interviews of professional athletes active and retired talking about their first game in the biggest stage of their respective sports (mostly MLB) the day they were told the news, their reaction to achieving the dream and their debut game. This will give listeners an insight of the hard work, determination, sacrifice and commitment it takes to get to the highest level even for a day.
Mi primera tacita de cafe - My first cup of CoffeeMar 10, 2024
00:00
12:42
Junior "El Gago" Ortiz
The definition of a mentor and a player who played the game the right way. No slacking pure hustle. Watching him catch and call games was amazing during my childhood he was the player that made me realize the importance of catchers and why the don't really need to hit at all. An amazing player who a lot of teammates call mentor, friend and a clubhouse leader. He would eliminate stress in the clubhouse with his constant joking and relaxed personality. Great signer whom I handed him 50 cards as a 12 year old kid and he signed them all no hesitation.
He made his debut for the Pirates on September 20, 1982 then had a long career spanning 12 years with a few teams including the Mets, Indians, Rangers and the Twins with whom he won a World Series in 1991.
Nicknamed el Gago because of his stuttering condition he was never one to back down on players and friends making fun of him and actually embraced it dealing with it openly day by day. A great role model as a player and person who always took new players under his wings.
Baseball needs more guys like this, we could really use them.
Mar 10, 202412:42
Guillermo "Willie" Montanez
Willie was and still is the youngest player from Puerto Rico to make his debut in the MLB at just 18 years old and 11 days old for the California Angels against the Chicago White Sox. He was young and was not ready mentally for the big leagues as he knew he needed to make adjustments as he only spent a year and a few months in the minors before his debut which was on April 12, 1966, against the White Sox after he made the team coming out of spring training due to a rule 4. He had not even finished High School and was already playing in the majors.
Willie made his first appearance as a pinch runner in the 14th inning and promptly stole his first base. His first official plate appearance was 10 days later against Cy Young winner Jim Perry who stuck him out in 3 pitches.
He was bummed he was on the bench and asked to be sent down to the minors cause he wanted to play every day. They sent him down and was returned to the Cardinals and landed in Class A ball as a starter. He spent the whole year in that league and he came back to Puerto Rico to finish and graduate high school and then went to serve in the US Army plus an injury he lost 2 years in a row then skipped from Class A up to Triple A. He never played the Double A level.
Although known as a power hitter, Willie was so fast that he played Center Field in his second stint in the majors as he accepted under the condition he would play every day so he learned to play the position in just a few weeks at a MLB level.
Listen to his story hear and how a trainer almost cost him his career.
Willie made his first appearance as a pinch runner in the 14th inning and promptly stole his first base. His first official plate appearance was 10 days later against Cy Young winner Jim Perry who stuck him out in 3 pitches.
He was bummed he was on the bench and asked to be sent down to the minors cause he wanted to play every day. They sent him down and was returned to the Cardinals and landed in Class A ball as a starter. He spent the whole year in that league and he came back to Puerto Rico to finish and graduate high school and then went to serve in the US Army plus an injury he lost 2 years in a row then skipped from Class A up to Triple A. He never played the Double A level.
Although known as a power hitter, Willie was so fast that he played Center Field in his second stint in the majors as he accepted under the condition he would play every day so he learned to play the position in just a few weeks at a MLB level.
Listen to his story hear and how a trainer almost cost him his career.
Feb 22, 202426:22
Fernando Gonzalez
Always agood hitter he played in every league you can imagine and always a great hitter. His first year teammate was Roberto Clemente who had his back. He went from Batboy for the Lobos de Arecibo to MLB Player. He has seen every single position in the MLB from batboy, to player to coach to manager to GM. A life dedicated to the sport.
Jan 18, 202425:28
Julio "Tato" Valera
Julio was a fan favorite who played all his life with the Indios de Mayaguez in the PR Winter League. He was part of the best crop of PR players in the 1990. Tall and intimidating on the mound he would bring that fire to the MLB when he made his debut with the Mets on 9-2-1990. He got a win on his first start and earned the respect of his new MLB teammates. Hear his story and how he sharply remembers every detail that day.
He had a 5 year career where he pitched for the Mets, Angels and Royals.
He had a 5 year career where he pitched for the Mets, Angels and Royals.
Nov 11, 202323:51
Luis "Torito" Melendez
Luis Torito Melendez made his debut in 1970. Listen to his story here and some other stories about his career as a player, coach and manager. Truly a guy that has devoted his whole life to the sport. Just wait till you hear who was the manager who gave him the news that he was just called up to the circus.
This guy has a park named after him in fromnt of his home. Surreal stuff.
This guy has a park named after him in fromnt of his home. Surreal stuff.
Sep 25, 202314:27
Luis Atilano
Luis made his debut on April 23, 2010 against the first place Dodgers. He was the Atlanta Braves first round 35th pick the first Puerto Rican pitcher drafted in the first round. He was a big deal and top prospect. He was called up and made his debut at the Nationals home park and his catcher was the one and only Ivan Pudge Rodriguez who is one of his childhood heros. He won the game and later in the season got hurt and after 2010 could never make it back into the big leagues.
He went on to have a strong career retireing in 2022 having played MLB, Taiwan, Puerto Rico and a few other leagues, always a fan favorite and forever a Criollos de Caguas.
He went on to have a strong career retireing in 2022 having played MLB, Taiwan, Puerto Rico and a few other leagues, always a fan favorite and forever a Criollos de Caguas.
Jul 16, 202320:26
Jonathan Sanchez
Recently retired from MLB, Sanchez still plays and coaches local pro Baseball. He got signed by a strike of luck as a scout went to see one player but his manager told him to come see him. They both ended up sigining but Jonathan made it and in that 8 year career he has the 3rd no-hitter by a boricua and also won a World Series with the San Francisco Giants. His son is up next to be signed hopefully next year we are all hoping he is the next generation team rubio pitcher.
Sanchez played with the Giants, Royals, Rockies and Pirates.
Sanchez played with the Giants, Royals, Rockies and Pirates.
May 14, 202316:07
Jose Chepito Munoz
Jose Chepito Munoz was always a fan favorite in the Winter League, a hustler who played every play like the game was on the line. A grinder who outplayed every chance and made routine plays look like a great plays. Born in Chicago, raised in Puerto Rico, signed by the Dodgers, signed by the Red Sox and finally signed by the White Sox who actually gave him his well deserved chance to play MLB after an MVP caliber season in the Red Sox's minors right after another dream season in the Dodgers minor leagues. He played for my Criollos de Caguas and the Cangrejeros de Santurce. An unsung hero who's MLB days flew under the radar.
Apr 17, 202312:55
Raul Casanova
As one of the top prospects in the majors back in 1994, Raul was traded from the Padres to the Tigers and got the call for his debut. He played winter league ball my Criollos de Caguas, Los Leones de Ponce, Los Indios de Mayaguez and Los Cangrejeros de Santurce. In his journeyman travels in the MLB he played for the Tigers, Brewers, Orioles, Devil Rays, Mets and the White Sox where he won a Championship Ring in 2005. Also caught Mark Buherle’s perfect game. He is now the owner of Shaddai Batting Cages and Shaddai breakfast and brunch in Gurabo the spot he invited me to conduct the interviews for the podcast.
Feb 14, 202318:31
Julio Cesar Gonzalez
Julio Gonzalez was a line drive hitter who could get on base lead-off and steal bases. A member of the Cardinals, Astros and the Tigers through a 7 year MLB career. He was a spring training invitee and ended up earning that regular spot until he got hurt and decided to not let the trainers know the severity so he wouldn't lose his spot as a starter. That cost him an extended visit to the DL which was not what he expected or wanted a costly decision for his career.
He played winter league in PR and was a feared hitter. He is also one of the few Puertorican to have won a World Series Championship. but his best thing is the secret to making a cup of coffee. He is hands down thye best player that prepares coffee in Puerto Rico. Always a pleasure visiting and talking baseball with him.
He played winter league in PR and was a feared hitter. He is also one of the few Puertorican to have won a World Series Championship. but his best thing is the secret to making a cup of coffee. He is hands down thye best player that prepares coffee in Puerto Rico. Always a pleasure visiting and talking baseball with him.
Jan 20, 202319:42
Eliseo "Ellie" Rodriguez
Ellie was born in Fajardo, PR and moved to the Bronx at age 9. He lived 12 blocks from Yankee stadium and would walk and sneak into games with his brother. He was a homegrown kid and a fan of the Yanks, 13 years later he would make his debut in his hometown for his favorite team with all his family and friends in attendance for what turned out to be one of the most special and unforgetable days of his life.
He is also tied MLB Record with 19 putouts in a game for a catcher and caught Nolaan Ryan's 4th No-Hitter so imagine how special that day was for the 2 time all-star. Having the Mick welcome you to the clubhouse is not a story many can tell. Enjoy this one guys.
He is also tied MLB Record with 19 putouts in a game for a catcher and caught Nolaan Ryan's 4th No-Hitter so imagine how special that day was for the 2 time all-star. Having the Mick welcome you to the clubhouse is not a story many can tell. Enjoy this one guys.
Dec 20, 202216:25
Jose "Pepe" Mangual Debut
Pepe played MLB along his brother Angel "Cookie" Mangual who won 3 WS with the A's. They were very close and competed against each other excelling with that competitiveness helping them get to the majors. Pepe was called up in the last day of his triple A season and went to the last game in Pittsburgh where he didnt play but got to see Roberto Clemente when he was 15 hits or so away from 3,000 and one of the last games he ever played in the MLB before that horrible December 31, 1972.
Listen to his story about how Clemente played a ball and what happened to Ken Singleton when he tried scoring. Pepe has great stories from his MLB days and winter league days in PR.
Listen to his story about how Clemente played a ball and what happened to Ken Singleton when he tried scoring. Pepe has great stories from his MLB days and winter league days in PR.
Nov 30, 202220:47
Hediberto Vargas
Known to the fans as Ed or Eddie, Vargas was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pirates and debuted on September 8, 1982 playing 2 years in the majors and becoming a quick fan favorite because of his hard playing style and his great sense of humor. Make sure to listen to his journey and road to the majors in this episode.
Nov 16, 202212:53
Norberto "Tito" Navarro
Tito was a top prospect at 2B/SS for the New York Mets. Incredible range and speed was a leathal weapon through his minors career. He got called up but injuries derailed a promising career but he is happy to be part of baseball history and proud to have made it to the circus even if it was for a little while.
His first game was not great as he was very nervous, he made a great defensive play but he went 0-5 with 2K's. Later in that year he had the game winning hit late in the season which made the Braves tie the Giants for the NL West Division and made them play a one game playoff to see who would pass. Known as the last great pennant race the Braves defeated the Giants for a pass to the NLCS where they were eliminated by the Philladelpiha Phillies in what was the last season before wild card came to play.
His first game was not great as he was very nervous, he made a great defensive play but he went 0-5 with 2K's. Later in that year he had the game winning hit late in the season which made the Braves tie the Giants for the NL West Division and made them play a one game playoff to see who would pass. Known as the last great pennant race the Braves defeated the Giants for a pass to the NLCS where they were eliminated by the Philladelpiha Phillies in what was the last season before wild card came to play.
Nov 04, 202221:57
Jose Iche Santiago
Jose Iche Santiago pitched for 8 years in the MLB with the Royals, Phillies and Mets. He explain why and how is playing winter league ball so important and how his journey to the MLB was not a usual one. He was the first pitcher ever from the Royals farm system to jump from Mid A ball to the majors. That's a 4 year journey he managed to cut short. Liste to his story here.
Oct 09, 202219:04
Dickie Thon
A huge prospect and the first of the Thon Baseball Family to make it to the Big Leagues, Dicke was a fast runner and a contact hitter who could really play SS. He played for 15 years in the MLB for the Angels, Astros, Brewers, Rangers, Phillies and Padres. His debut was on May 22, 1979 when he got called up cause Bobby Grich was a bit hurt. He thought he would only be up for few cups of coffee but to his surprise he never got sent down and batted over .300 helping the team win the pennant. In the winter league he played for the Vaqueros, Senadores, Lobos and Cangrejeros.
In 1984 he was hit in his eye by a Mike Torrez pitch derrailing his career for a year and was never the same hitter after the recovery which was never full. He was so good he still playerd 15 years in the league and was and has a 23.9 WAR which is very impressive. Hear how his dad attended his first official start and how he did in his first at bat.
In 1984 he was hit in his eye by a Mike Torrez pitch derrailing his career for a year and was never the same hitter after the recovery which was never full. He was so good he still playerd 15 years in the league and was and has a 23.9 WAR which is very impressive. Hear how his dad attended his first official start and how he did in his first at bat.
Sep 15, 202215:51
Mako Oliveras MLB Coach Debut
This episode is really cool. We get to hear Mako talk about how players were disciplined by any means back in the day. None of the stuff he has done would fly today in a sport full of entitled rich kids that have always done what they want. We talking about extra workout, fighting, slapping, name calling and all you can imagine. Mako has seen it all and been through it all.
Mako played all his life but never got to the major as a player. This is the first interview I do with a coaching debut and how and who gave him the chance to coach in the Big Leagues.
Mako played all his life but never got to the major as a player. This is the first interview I do with a coaching debut and how and who gave him the chance to coach in the Big Leagues.
Aug 29, 202248:37
Rafael Santo Domingo
Rafael only played a season in the MLB as his promising career was cut short by injuries yet this small framed contact hitter and speedy runner got to be part and make the roster of one of the best baseball teams in the history of the game. The line up was insane full of HOFer like Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Dave Concepcion, Ken Griffey, George Foster, Ray Knight, Tom Seaver and other stars. When you make a team with that depth you know you are a star. Rafael retired and has been helping kids as a trainner, Coach and scout for the Marines for over 15 years. Listen to his story here.
Aug 22, 202210:56
Orlando "Peruchin" Cepeda
Cepeda is the second greatest Puerto Rican player to ever play in the MLB. A childhood hero of mine, never saw him play, he retired before I was born but loved his story and how him being the son of a legend and having problems with his legs he was told he couldnt play yet he knew he was born to play baseball and play he did.
This is definitively the most important interview of this podcast seires and a dream come true. I would have never ever thought when I was a kid Id grow up to interview the great Peruchin at some point of my life. This is literally a dream come true as a baseball fan. Orlando and his wife have been so cool and nice to me that I can't begin to understand how lucky I am to have had this chance.
As usual we talk about his debut on August 15, 1958 a game where he hit a ball he knew it was gone the second it touched the bat and how special that first game was filled with an emotion he has never felt after. Great to be able to see him remember his first steps in a HOFer career.
This is definitively the most important interview of this podcast seires and a dream come true. I would have never ever thought when I was a kid Id grow up to interview the great Peruchin at some point of my life. This is literally a dream come true as a baseball fan. Orlando and his wife have been so cool and nice to me that I can't begin to understand how lucky I am to have had this chance.
As usual we talk about his debut on August 15, 1958 a game where he hit a ball he knew it was gone the second it touched the bat and how special that first game was filled with an emotion he has never felt after. Great to be able to see him remember his first steps in a HOFer career.
Aug 15, 202222:49
Ricky Otero
When the impossible becomes a reality you get a power hitting, super fast, 5'4" MLB player. With a complicated life and a few tough life decisions Ricky defied all odds as a player and as a human. He lived at rock bottom at some point but with the help of friends and MLB collegues he is better and trying to stay in the right path. He still plays A ball at 50 years old.
Aug 10, 202219:33
Edwin Rodriguez - Player Debut
This episode we interview Edwin Rodriguez who not only made his debut as a player but also as the first manager from Puerto Rico in the MLB (which we will leave for another epoisode). He made his debut with the Yankees and also managed Team Rubio to a Silver medal in the 2017 WBC.
Aug 01, 202213:09
Angel "Chimilon" Miranda
A rough start when he made the 25 man team roster in 1993. He got hurt and went on the DL for 2 months with shoulder tightness. His debut was pushed back until he was ready to go. A memorable 2 pitch 2 out first outing. great story from a very knowledgable player and a human baseball encyclopedia.
Jul 17, 202228:56
Mario Diaz
Mario Diaz was a 2B/SS utiliy who played for the Seatttle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins and New York Mets. He made his MLB Debut on 9/12/1987 against the Chicago White Sox. He came in as a defensive replacement for Rey Quinones and on his first at bat hit a triple off pitcher Bob James. He also played winter league ball in Puerto Rico with Los Criollos and Los Leones.
Jul 07, 202213:44
Hector Villanueva
In this first espisode from season #2, I interview the Puerto Rico LWinter League last Triple Crown Winner and one of the leagues all time greats. He debuted against the Cardinals and talks about that first day and the non-believers in his skills and athletic ability. I've seen HR come off this dudes bat that still aint landed.
Feb 18, 202224:05
Luis Mambo De Leon
Mambo made his debut as a Cardinal vs the Dodgers. He told me the story on memory alone although the boxscore reflects a different version it’s always a pleasure to hear them out and relive that moment of their career. Mambo is a legend in Puerto Rico as he played for what seems to be forever in our winter league.
Aug 22, 202109:51
Jose Coco Laboy
Jose Coco Laboy was one of the Original Expos who made his MLB Debut on Opening Day April 8, 1969 vs the New York Mets at Shea Stadium. The first pitcher he faced was no other than Tom Seaver. In that game he went 1-5 and hit the game winning 3 run HR against reliever Run Hunt. An amazing start with a lot of history behind it as the Expos franchise recorded their first win ever.
Jul 21, 202128:18
Jose Palillo Santiago
Palillo made his MLB Debut on 9/9/1963. NY Yankees @ Kansas City Athletics. Game tied 6-6 as a reliver pitched against Elston Howard, Joe Pepitone and Clete Boyer. We talk baseball, love and marrige. Gotta love this guy. he not only got a win in his debut but he got a lifelong partner in Edna.
Jul 16, 202142:49
Jimmy Rosario
Talking about Jimmy’s MLB debut and memories of his first game on April 8th, 1971. Pitcher who initiated him in the MLB was Dick Kelley. He was chosen to replace Willie Mays in CF but all of the sudden Wille had a change of heart and decided to keep playing preventing Jimmy to move upwards.
Jul 08, 202123:18