Astudillo brings Tortuga power to Twins

CHICAGO — In one night last September, the Twins’ Willians Astudillo went from little-known, rookie utility man to internet sensation. It all happened on a simple play by the so-called Tortugo, which translates to turtle.

Astudillo memorably huffed his away around the bases last Sept. 12 against the Yankees, losing his helmet as he rounded second to score from first on Max Kepler’s double.

The sight of the portly, 5-foot-8, 220-pounder hustling made the Twins’ little known infielder a viral sensation. Then he drew laughter when he declared that he merely wanted to prove that chubby people could run.

He was sending a bigger message to youngsters whose skills are doubted.

“More than anything, I think I need to help the mentality of those young ballplayers that sometimes have doors closed on them because they simply don’t have the size or a great [season],” Astudillo said. “I want to show them that, yes, it is possible. Never lower your head, and keep going forward.”

Astudillo has reached the majors and shown his ability to stay because of his versatility.

Astudillo, who is listed as a catcher, has played eight of the nine positions. He is adamant that if needed he could play shortstop — the one position he hasn’t played in a major league game.

“You have to try and open yourself and say, ‘Yes, yes you can do it,’” Astudillo said. “I’m trying to go out and do my work and do it the best I can in any position.”

That memorable run and subsequent postgame comments were celebrated by the Twins in April with “An Evening with La Tortuga” event at Target Field. A special ticket package was required for fans to get a “Tortuga” T-shirt.

The front of the shirt had Astudillo’s famous quote – “chubby people also run” – with his image and a turtle shell with his No. 64 and “La Tortuga” on the back.

“It was something incredible and unexpected for me,” said Astudillo, who was nicknamed La Tortuga by a coach in Venezuela. “I never expected that there would be a day for me.”

He did see himself, though, serving as a mentor to younger players.

After starting the season with the Twins, Astudillo was sent down for two weeks to Class AAA Rochester, where he helped younger players and gave them advice.

He used his time in the minors to get some at-bats and serve as a mentor.

Astudillo serves as an older brother to the younger players trying to climb their way up to the majors. It’s a vast difference from the role he serves when he’s in the majors.

He goes from elder statesman with advice in the minors to a young, annoying little brother to his teammates in Minnesota.

“I bug them all,” Astudillo said with a smile. “Sometimes they tell me, ‘Hey, man, stop, enough!’ But they know how I am.”

He’s like that before, during and after games, too.

Teammates traditionally leave pitchers working on no-hitters or perfect games alone in the dugout during games. Astudillo didn’t seem to care for that rule.

After his famous run against the Yankees, Astudillo walked back to the dugout and exhaled loudly as he grabbed a seat next to pitcher Jake Odorizzi, who was pitching a no-hitter.

He must remain true to his playful nature to stay even keel during the course of a long baseball season.

“I think that’s the key that has been a part of Willians Astudillo – being the same person on and off the field,” Astudillo said. “That’s what helps me.”

He’s helped the Twins become one of the surprise stories of the season.

Minnesota has raced out to the third-best record in baseball and an eight-game lead on Cleveland in the AL Central.

Strong veteran presence was added in the offseason in the form of Marwin González and Nelson Cruz, and that’s helped Astudillo and the Twins.

“We’re all on the same page and we’re all content with the roles we have,” Astudillo said. “That way if it goes bad for someone, we’re all there to help each other out, and any of us are there to pick them up.”

For Astudillo that role is two-fold. He’ll serve as motivation for young players anywhere who are told that they might not be good enough because of their size.

“Try to achieve your dreams,” Astudillo said. “That’s the most beautiful thing and the most precious thing you can have in your life — achieving your dreams and being happy more than anything.”

And, when he’s with the Twins, he’ll play cards with José Berríos before his starts and will bug each of his teammates in the clubhouse.

He’s glad to serve both roles.

Featured Image: Hannah Foslien / Getty Images Sport