Álex Cora takes the trophy home to Caguas

Only three months after he was named manager of the Boston Red Sox, Álex Cora made a trip to his native Puerto Rico last January with members of his team. He was joined on that trip by assistant general manager Eddie Romero and Chris Sale, the pitcher who would eventually record the final out of the 2018 World Series.

That trip was a relief mission to take supplies to the victims of Hurricane Maria.

Ten months later, Cora, Romero and the several member of the Red Sox returned to the Isla del Encanto with the Commissioner’s Trophy to celebrate the Red Sox’s World Series title.

“They are two totally different situations but equally satisfying,” Cora said. “In that moment (in January) the Red Sox gave me the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico with humanitarian aid for the whole island. That’s something that I appreciate a lot that they agreed to what I requested when I interviewed for the job.”

“Now this is different because we are going to celebrate with a festive atmosphere with my people, especially in Caguas. We’re going to celebrate.”

Cora’s initiative isn’t the first one by Puerto Rican players. The Houston Astros organization, where he was a bench coach in 2017, sent donations to the island after Carlos Beltran, Carlos Correa and Cora led a fundraising effort.

Hard times

According to Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rossello, the death toll from Hurricane Maria stands at 2,975. Maria also caused billions in damages to the island.

Many boricuas were without electricity for months in the aftermath of Maria, which is considered the biggest natural disaster since Hurricane Jeanne hit Puerto Rico in 2004.

“What we saw that first time was very difficult, but it was also very satisfying to go with help, water and all kinds of donations for Puerto Rico on that first trip in January,” assistant general manager Romero said. “As a boricua I feel very proud to have been able to contribute.

“We know that the island is still recovering, but on this occasion we want to bring them a little joy and to let them know that this is also dedicated to them.”

Fiesta en Caguas

“To return to Caguas with the World Series trophy,” Cora said, “together with my family and friends is something that seems like a dream.”

Featured Image: Red Sox Instagram