Victor Gonzalez, a relief pitcher for the New York Yankees, had the opportunity to pitch in his home country of Mexico for the first time at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú. This experience was particularly special for Gonzalez, who felt overwhelmed with emotion and excitement while on the mound and in front of his mother, Norma Ortiz, and other family members. It was a moment that he had never experienced before in his career, despite having played in numerous World Series games and major league games.
Gonzalez’s family, including his mom, grandparents, and wife, were in attendance to see him pitch for the Yankees against the Diablos Rojos del Mexico. Despite the game being an exhibition series and the Yankees not bringing their full roster, it was a significant moment for Gonzalez and his family. He expressed how different the expectations and feelings were compared to his previous experiences in the big leagues. Gonzalez found his mom in the stands during the game, where she appeared nervous but supportive of her son.
The relationship between Gonzalez and his mother when it comes to baseball is not one that involves much discussion about the sport. However, after the game, there was a special moment of reconnection with his family, including his grandfather embracing him with a hug and kiss through tears. Gonzalez’s teammates understood the significance of the moment for the whole family, with catcher Jose Trevino expressing how emotional he would be if in a similar situation with his own children.
Before entering the game, Gonzalez took a moment to check his pulse in the bullpen in an effort to calm himself down. He acknowledged the high level of adrenaline and excitement he experienced during the game, expressing his desire to feel that rush again in the future. Despite the nerves and pressure of performing well in front of his home crowd, Gonzalez embraced the challenge and cherished the opportunity to pitch in Mexico. The support and presence of his family made the experience even more memorable for the Yankees’ pitcher.
