David Peralta’s Best Day Ever

Venezuelan David Peralta has quite a story. From Valencia to the majors and stops in between. Worthy of La Vida Baseball’s new franchise — Sound On. Peralta started out as a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals’ organization in 2004. Injuries and shoulder surgeries turned him into a outfielder and forced him to rebuild his career in independent baseball, playing in remote outposts such as the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings and Wichita Wingnuts.

With his family’s support, Peralta persevered, signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013. He was called up the following season and then enjoyed a breakout year in 2015, averaging .312 while leading the National League with 10 triples.

Back and wrist issues cost him most of 2016, but his hard work has paid off. Peralta, 30, has concluded a successful season with a trip to the playoffs. In 140 games, he hit .293/.352/.444 with 14 home runs, 31 doubles and 57 RBI.

As the D-backs prepare to meet the Colorado Rockies at home on Wednesday in the National League Wild Card Game, Peralta remembers his first game. An epic day with an epic finish. How did he do against the ‘Cuban Missile’ Aroldis Chapman? You’ll have to watch to find out.