Philadelphia’s Compadres: Part I

“Compays,” that’s what they call each other. Third baseman Maikel Franco, closer Héctor Neris and reliever Luis García are more than teammates, they are best friends. The bond they formed while on the Phillies has become deeper than that.

The trio came from different hometowns in the Dominican Republic. Their paths to the Phillies were not the same.

Franco was a highly rated prospect who signed with Philadelphia at 17 years old. Neris signed with Philadelphia at 20 years—“old” for a Dominican prospect. García is the exception to the rule. The Phillies is the third organization for which García played before making it to the majors—most Dominicans don’t get a second chance (organization) as a minor leaguer.

Breaking through to join the Phillies in consecutive seasons (2013 and 2014), the trio have become not only hermanos, but even more powerfully compadres.  And the three have become part of an exciting young nucleus of players the Phillies hope take them to the next level soon.

La Vida Baseball had the chance to sit down with the three to get to know them – individually and collectively. Over the coming four weeks, we’ll share our conversation as we discuss how they met, their favorite music, their unique perspectives on fashion and hair and their thoughts on countryman Vladimir Guerrero being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July.

In this first edition, let’s learn more about how close the three have become.