El Presidente enjoys return to Cleveland

CLEVELAND – As “El Presidente” watched some of baseball’s brightest young prospects take batting practice from behind a screen near first base Sunday afternoon, a fan at Progressive Field waved a Nicaraguan Flag and called out his name.

Dennis Martínez turned his gaze toward the fan behind the first base dugout, smiled and waved back, prompting the fan to wave their beloved Nicaraguan flag more frantically.

During good times and turbulent ones back home, one thing has remained consistent for Nicaraguans since Martínez made his big league debut in 1976. “El Presidente,” as the legendary righthander is known affectionately in his native and adopted countries, remains a beloved figure.

Martínez was back in Cleveland to manage the National League in the Futures Game. He received a hearty ovation from the crowd of 34,386 for All-Star Sunday.

“This was something unexpected on my part,” Martínez said of the managing assignment. “It was a great surprise. At the same time, I’m very grateful and happy to participate. Assuming this responsibility is a great challenge, but at the same time I thank God because this is another opportunity in my life and my career as an ex big leaguer.

“And what’s better than being with this great group of talented youngsters? These kids need direction from the coaches we have. I think we have some of the best coaches on staff to give them the help that they’re looking for and that support that they need.”

Martínez, 65, managed the National League while Hall of Famer Jim Thome managed the American League.

Both men remain popular figures in Cleveland, where they helped the Indians reach the 1995 World Series. Martínez was gone when the Indians returned to the 1997 World Series.

Martínez actually spent more seasons with the Baltimore Orioles (11) and Montreal Expos (eight), but he made the most of his three years in Cleveland.

He was 32-17 with a 3.58 ERA over three seasons with Cleveland, earning his fourth and last All-Star nod in 1995 with the Indians.

The managerial nod for the Futures Game was even more special for Martínez because his staff included former Indians teammates Carlos Baerga, Omar Vizquel, Charles Nagy and Álvaro Espinoza.

Martínez hoped his assignment also gave Nicaraguans something to celebrate during a turbulent time of political unrest back home.

“I think it’s something that God puts in our life,” Martínez said. “I’m assuming a responsibility, first as an ex big leaguer and secondly as a player who participated in Cleveland, where the event is being held.

“And third, it’s something that could have significance in my country because of the situation we’re living. I’ve always tried to be the type of person who gives instead of takes away. I hope that this is something to help in the cause that we’re living through in our country so we can reach a peace, which we seek to live in more tranquility.”

Equally important, Martínez hoped he and his staff could deliver important lessons that the young prospects can carry as they ascend to the majors over the next few years.

Most of baseball’s top young players have starred in the Futures Game. The 2019 Futures Game was packed with prospects who are expected to make their marks in the majors soon.

“El Presidente” had a message for the young phenoms.

“It’s very simple; to always have faith and believe in themselves,” Martínez said. “And for those who believe, pray to get help and at the same time to play the game with love and passion, but also to respect it because that’s the most important thing.

“We have to respect the game because the game is part of our lives and it’s something that forms us up to a point to be a better citizen and a better person in reality.”

Featured Image: Alex Trautwig / Getty Images Sport