The rise of Jesús
By César Augusto Márquez
Jesús Aguilar’s story is an epic one. He went from being rejected by the Cleveland Indians in a little more than a year ago to being the starting first baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers. Then after not having a spot assured this past spring, he earning a place on the 2018 National League All-Star team and received an invitation to compete in the Home Run Derby.
Aguilar’s life took a 180 degree turn on January 26, 2017, when the Indians, who signed him originally, called to tell him that he had been placed on waivers. Other than the nostalgic feelings a player usually feels with this type of news, he was happy.
“When they called to tell me I couldn’t have been happier,” he said. “I think that a yoke was lifted from my head that day. The Indians didn’t give me the confidence of playing every day, and I was evaluating other options like playing in Japan or Korea.
“All that is happening to me now has been very quick. I think what I needed was a little bit of confidence, something that I finally found with the Milwaukee Brewers.”
“We Believe in Jesús”
In three seasons with the Indians, Aguilar only had 58 at-bats, a very low amount for a player who hit 57 home runs between Class AA and Class AAA in 2013 and 2014.
“It’s very hard to know that you’re not playing every day,” he said. “You work with more pressure. Fortunately for me, Milwaukee Brewers coach Carlos Subero recommended me to the organization. Although they didn’t have a guaranteed spot for me in the lineup, manager Craig Counsell gave me the opportunity to play, and I hit 16 home runs.”
Aguilar received 20.2 million votes – the second highest total – in the Camping World All-Star Final Vote thanks to the Brewers’ “We believe in Jesús” campaign.
Big Papi also a believer
Aguilar’s story is similar to David Ortiz’s story. Big Papi salvaged his career and became one of the most iconic baseball players of his era after the Minnesota Twins gave up on him.
After the Twins let him go, Ortiz thrived in Boston with the Red Sox.
“When I see Jesús Aguilar it excites me because in a certain way I see a photocopy of myself, a player who also was rejected by his original organization,” Ortiz said. “They gave him opportunities (in Milwaukee) and now look at what he’s doing. I hope he keeps producing the same way for the next 10 years.”
“What is happening with him is what happened with me during the transition from Minnesota to Boston. With the Twins I basically didn’t play. When I went to Boston I exploded, and that’s because I played. For you to be able to explode, you have to play, especially when you’re a player of Aguilar’s magnitude. He’s not one of those players that you give opportunities to play two days and then back to the bench because he’s a dangerous slugger. Pitchers are always going to be careful with him. Milwaukee gave him the opportunities and now he’s excelled. I hope he can follow my footsteps in the future.”
Having Faith
Aguilar appreciates Ortiz’s kind words. He has long considered Big Papi an inspiration, especially when his career was going through a dark period.
“In difficult moments I’d go to YouTube and I’d watch the story of David Ortiz to gain inspiration,” Aguilar says. “I think he’s been motivation and pride for me, but also for any Latin American because he has been an example on and off the field. His words are motivation to keep marching forward.”
Actually, though, Aguilar’s biggest motivation continues to be his son Matias.
“He’s the person for whom I go fight every day and try to do my best,” he said. “I’m grateful to God for all of the good things that he is giving me. I hope to continue to do things for him.”
Aguilar has opened a place for himself among the top home run hitters in the big leagues. It all happened because he had faith.
As they say in Milwaukee, he believes in Jesús.
Featured Image: Dylan Buell / Getty Images Sport