Alfonso Soriano: the sweet swing of success

Latino Leaders: The National Magazine of the Successful American Latino, Oct-Nov, 2004 by Wendy Pedrero, Albert Sgambati

You can't quite put your finger on it, but Alfonso Soriano's got it. Everyone knows it; managers, fans, teammates, sports writers. They talk about his quick bat, the fine-tuned adjustments to various pitchers, his speed on the base path, and an ability to play several defensive positions, but what it really boils down to--given away by the winningest smile in baseball--is the 28-year-old Dominican's attitude.

An attitude that today numbers Soriano among the most popular players with both the fans and his fellow teammates, in addition to distinguishing himself as one of the game's most exciting prospects.

The secret to one of baseball's sweetest swings: "I do my job, play hard on the field, discipline myself, and respect the coach. I have a healthy life without any vices, and I stay out of trouble." Although what the modest second baseman doesn't say about the raw ingredients to his stellar success is perhaps just as important. Like many young boys in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, Soriano dreamed of playing in the big leagues. However, unlike his fellow countrymen Sammy Sosa and Manny Ramirez, Soriano was not tagged as a natural or a shoe-in for a future major league prospect. Although no one could guess it by watching him today, Soriano, as a youngster, was considered slow afoot and with not enough meat on his bones to muscle the ball from the plate.

Despite an understated easy manner that belies his grit and determination, Soriano's quiet and collected focus on his goal was evident even as a fledging player. "After growing and maturing some, at about 14 or 15, I believed I had what it took to playing the big leagues. I realized then, that I could begin to consider baseball as a profession." At 17 he got his first taste of professional ball when he signed with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. "At first my mother didn't want me to drop my studies when I signed with the Japanese [league], but thanks to family members who convinced her I was old enough to make that decision, I was allowed to take the opportunity and go to Japan."

The decision proved difficult enough, tearing beard a supportive, dose-knit family, Soriano entered a world unlike any he had ever known. "It was like being born anew. Everything was different; the food, the character of the people, the whole ambience; and it took time getting used to." Not one to complain, Soriano knuckled down under the rigorous Japanese system and worked hard. With his much-heralded ability to readapt to fluid situations (Soriano has played shortstop, third base, and left field, as well as second base), he not only benefited from his experience as an athlete in Japan, but he learned the language as well.

Quickly climbing through the tanks of the Yankee farm system, Soriano began to make a name for himself An adept shortstop, Alfonso made his initial appearances with the dub in 1999 and 2000. In 2001, when Yankees All Star second baseman Chuck Knoblauch suddenly lost his ability to make the throw to first base, Soriano was called upon to plug up the right side of the New York infield. His raw talent immediately became apparent to the press and fans alike. With a wide grin after turning double plays, Soriano won the hearts of baseball's toughest critics--the Yankee fans.

His first year in the majors, he posted an impressive .268 batting average, with an even more impressive .304 on base percentage. That year, under the tutelage of another outstanding Yankee second baseman, coach Willie Randolph, Soriano exceeded all expectations by breaking the Yankees rookie season stolen base record. "He had a lot of pressure on him," said Randolph, who knows all too well the demands of the New York media and the organization.

Soriano himself refers to a two-run, ninth-inning long ball homerun that sank the Mariners in the championship as one of his biggest moments in baseball. "For me, it was unforgettable, connecting for a homerun in the fifth game against Seattle to win the game." Then came the twelfth-inning single that stopped Arizona in game five of the World Series, and his game seven homerun off Curt Schilling, to put the Yankees ahead in the deciding game, before the Diamondbacks cane from behind in the ninth.

Soriano returned to San Pedro de Macoris a hero at the end of the season. "Everybody loves Alfonso in San Pedro," said fellow ballplayer Manny Alexander. For Soriano, returning to San Pedro and his family is always a special event. Besides being back with those he values most and feels most comfortable with, Soriano is known to bring back a stock of baseballs and other equipment for the children playing in the streets. His laid-back manner, patience, and love of merengue music have made him a hit among the town's younger crowd. Soriano's youthful optimism both on the field and in the streets of his hometown is contagious.

Back in the Bronx at the beginning of the 2002 season, Soriano found himself in the lead-off spot in the order. Any skepticism about Soriano's ability that might have remained was quickly obliterated, as Soriano again put up the numbers. Playing at an MVP level, and a fan favorite in that year's All Star balloting, Soriano became the first second baseman to reach (and break) the 30-30 (30 homeruns, 30 stolen bases) mark for a second baseman. Having surpassed the 35-35 record for two consecutive years (2002, 2003) Soriano finds himself in good company alongside Willie Mays and Barry Bonds. Close friend and teammate, Derek Jeter, quipped, "Offensively, what else do you want him to do? Hit 50 home runs? He has a bright future."