From Mexico to New York, “In His Blood” producer has heart for baseball

Baseball was not in producer Rasiel Guevara’s blood, but it started to flow through the Mexico City native’s veins soon after he arrived in New York when he was 6 years old.

He was only 3 years old when his single mom left him behind in Mexico City with her parents so she could make enough money to send for him three years later. Almost immediately, baseball in general and the Yankees specifically helped him form a connection with his new neighbors.

Guevara’s father was a doctor in Mexico, but he never met him. In that way, his story is similar to former big leaguer Fernando Tatís, Sr., one of the four prominent stars in the recently released documentary “In The Blood,” which Guevara produced for FS1.

In one of the most moving parts of the “In The Blood,” the documentary explains how Tatís Sr. reconnected with the father who abandoned him as a child.

“In The Blood” tracks the bond between two of the best young superstars in baseball and their famous fathers, Fernando Tatís Sr. and Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Jr.

It is a moving and beautiful documentary and a must-see for every baseball fan, especially for those who may not appreciate the sacrifices ballplayers in the Dominican Republic make to reach the majors. 

Guevara’s story is also one of sacrifice and perseverance. His mother Elba Garcia was a seamstress in New York’s garment district for many years. She also served as a babysitter for wealthy families in New York to help support her son.

Her sacrifices have paid off with her son, who spent eight years with Major League Baseball Advanced Media before becoming a supervising producer for Written Out Loud productions in New York, which produced “In The Blood” with Major League Baseball and FS1. He was on the production staff for game highlights, original branded content and long form features in English and Spanish for MLBAM before joining his small boutique production company in February.

At 35, Guevara already has an inspiring story of triumph for any immigrant who hopes to succeed in the United States. He shared his story with La Vida Baseball.

Jose de Jesus Ortiz: How did baseball impact your life growing up in New York?

Rasiel Guevara: Growing up, baseball was an obsession. It allowed me to make friends and focus on something that was fun. It distracted me from the less than perfect conditions of my life growing up. Baseball was a safe and constant part of my life. 

Ortiz: Did baseball help you assimilate to the United States or were you already a baseball fan during your first five years in Mexico City?

Guevara: I arrived in New York City in 1990 at the age of 6. I was dropped into a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood that lived and died with the Bronx bombers. I mean the whole neighborhood rooted for the Yankees. Everyone rocked their Yankee fitted cap proudly. And you were made fun of if you wore anything else. This is the incubator that birthed my love for the sport. Spanish Harlem, New York. At first it was an easy assimilation tool. But then it became a true love. I don’t remember much of my life before arriving in New York. And I’m a proud Mexican man, who roots for El Tri come World Cup time, but my first love wears pinstripes. 

Ortiz: How did you begin your baseball journey?

Guevara: I actually stumbled into a career in sports. I studied political science in school and was ready to embark on a career working on political campaigns. Despite my love of sports growing up, I thought I needed a “grownup job” after I graduated. But, during my junior year I took an internship with CBS College Sports, and my life shifted. I changed some classes around and graduated with a double major in political science and broadcast journalism. I started working for CBS and then MSG until I landed with MLB Advanced Media in 2011. I now work for a small production company on feature documentaries. As you would imagine, most of my projects revolve around baseball. 

Ortiz: What advice would you give young people who hope to follow your footsteps?

Guevara: To my young Latinx people looking to follow in my footsteps, never feel that anything is out of your reach. Never be afraid to knock on doors that are closed. And always, always reach back and help others who are traveling behind you. 

Ortiz: What are some of the favorite pieces you’ve worked on since you joined MLB Advanced Media and with your new company?

Guevara: I’ve been very fortunate to help tell some amazing stories during my time working for MLB. I got to help Khris Davis share with the world his Mexican heritage. I got to help Yasiel Puig tell his story of growing up in Cuba and clear up the misconception that he is a me-first guy. Plus my latest project for Fox Sports is a multigenerational tale of two immigrant families that just happen to include the most exciting pair of rookies to hit the majors this season. 

Ortiz: What was the most gratifying aspect of working on the latest documentary on the Guerrero and Tatís families?

Guevara: I loved being able to shine a light on the sacrifice that many immigrant families have to undergo to give their children a chance at success. Plus being able to be on hand for the MLB debuts of Fernando Tatís, Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., is something I will remember forever. 

Ortiz: How have your bilingual skills helped you in your career? 

Guevara: They have been instrumental in my ability to connect with baseball players. People are always more comfortable in their native tongue. And baseball players are no different. 

Ortiz: Is there a moment in your life that you consider pivotal in your eventual career path?

Guevara: The very first long form feature I worked on was on Jose Fernández during his rookie season. I was able to showcase my abilities as a video producer and editor and I got to meet and work with my great friends and longtime collaborators, Jesse Sánchez and Suzanne Medina. 

Ortiz: It sounds as though your mom sacrificed a lot to bring you to New York. Could she have ever imagined that you would one day be working on documentaries about Major League Baseball players?

Guevara: My mom is my biggest cheerleader. She sacrificed a lot for me as a young single mother. She left Mexico and started a new life here in the United States to give me an opportunity that she did not have. I’m eternally grateful that her sacrifice was not in vain. She loves sharing all my videos on Facebook for all her friends. Ha!

Featured Image: Rasiel Guevara