José Reyes remembers his Futures Game experience

By César Augusto Márquez

The 2002 Futures Game is still fresh in José Reyes’ mind. Many moons have passed since that event, but it remains stuck in his memory. It was a grand moment, one that helped mark his transition from the minor leagues to the big leagues.

“I had never in my life stepped inside a big league stadium, because I was just a 19-year-old little kid,” he said. “To walk through Miller Park in front of so many people in such a big stadium it was something that excited me because it made me remember the humble fields of the Dominican Republic, where I took my first steps.

Back to the 2002 Futures

The 2002 Futures Games was full of talent. Many of the players who participated in the event have made great impact in the majors in the first and second decades of this century. That is among the things that Reyes recalls.

“I think the Futures Game is very exciting because it allows you to unite with players that you’ll later see in your career,” Reyes said. “I remember that on the World Team’s roster there were players such Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Francisco Rodriguez, to name a few of the teammates who I visited with later.”

David Concepción, who managed the World Team in the 2002 game, shared Reyes’ opinion.

“I had a chance to manage that game, and it’s an excellent opportunity to see ball players that are mostly ready to play in the big leagues,” Concepción said. “There are very few times that one has the opportunity to see so many talented youngsters together take their first steps before they become stars in the big leagues.

“I still remember Miguel Cabrera on the field and what he already projected at that moment. The same with the shots that a man like Victor Martinez was capable of hitting. Or Francisco Rodriguez, who was a big leaguer that same year. But I also think that of all of it, Jose Reyes’ performance was a very special moment.”

The Biggest Moment

That performance included a base-clearing, three-run triple in the third inning to give the World Team the lead in the eventual 5-1 victory. The hit brought a flood of emotions to course through the Mets’ then prospect’s mind.

“That moment as I ran the bases I only thought of my parents, Jose Manuel and Rosa Ligia, and all the sacrifices they had to make to raise me and make me a ballplayer,” Reyes said. “It was such an emotional feeling at that moment that as soon as the game was over I ran to call them. It was the last time I went to an All-Star Game without them.”

A year after that performance, the New York Mets called Reyes up to the big leagues. He was named to his first All-Star Game three years later although he has mixed feelings about that game.

“It was very exciting to see how the New York fans sent me to Pittsburgh for my first All-Star Game with their votes,” he said. “But sadly I was injured and I couldn’t participate. I have a somewhat bittersweet memory, but on the other hand my family was able to enjoy the festivities.”

All-Star Moments

Reyes earned three more All-Star nods – 2007 in San Francisco, 2010 in Anaheim and 2011 in Arizona. He has fond memories of all of them.

“The All-Star Game will always be a beautiful event because it reminds you why you became a player,” he said. “There are always a lot of things that stand out, but mine in particular relates to the 2007 All-Star Game, when I was able to receive a ceremonial first pitch from a legend such as Willie Mays.

“One comes from a humble home with lots of work and sacrifice. Then to all of a sudden see yourself there next to an immortal like Mays in front of your family it makes you feel like you’re dreaming.”

Futures Now

This Sunday in Washington 22 Latin Americans will step onto the field at Nationals Park as part of the World Team for the 2018 Futures Game. Many of them will play on a big league stadium for the first time.

Perhaps they’ll feel the same emotions that Reyes felt in 2002.

“I’d tell those youngsters to enjoy the experience and that it’s a something very beautiful and it’s their first experience at one of the most beautiful events for a ballplayer like the All-Star Game,” Reyes said.

Featured Image: Al Bello / Getty Images Sport