As you might have imagined, last week’s article about Dodger rookie sensation Yasiel Puig giving his jersey to a severely handicapped Dodger fan during the annual On-Field Photo Day event was warmly received and generated many great comments and re-tweets. One such comment came from a Cuban fan by the name of Ralp Lavner who now lives in Mexico.

Ralp shared a similar story about José Dariel Abreu, a power-hitting first baseman who leads Team Cienfuegos, the same team that Yasiel Puig played on and Ralp’s former hometown team, in home runs. The story is about Peter Aguila Prado, a 13-year-old fan of Dariel who also suffers from cerebral palsy. The story centers around the home runs hit by Dariel and the fact that he dedicates them to God – except for the really important ones which he dedicates to Peter. Ralp also mentioned that Dariel gave Peter an autographed jersey.

José Dariel dedicates a home run to 13-year-old Peter Aguila Prado.
(Photo credit – Nelson Costa)

Through the power of Google, I was able to locate the article that Ralp was referring to which, of course, is in Spanish. With the assistance of ThinkBlueLA staff writer Robb Anderson (who also lives in Mexico and who is fluent in Spanish), we were able to translate the article. Please keep in mind that Spanish to English translation cannot be done word for word:

Never before had I seen Jose Dariel Abreu celebrate a home run. Purposefully he never celebrates his great at bats: balls disappear beyond the fence or on the roof tops, he completes his routine stroll around the bases while his bat waits for him standing on top of home returning to the bench together. If it weren’t for the celebration in the stands and with the line of teammates (because everyone saw the Mizuno (baseball) cry on its farewell) no one would have noted the great feat.

Until today he would dedicate each home run to the stands in general, smiling and continuing his path to the “grupo verde” (the local fans). Behind the screen hides the “secret,” a secret that thanks him for fulfilling a wish.

His name is Peter Aguila Prado. He is 13 year old and has cerebral palsy that has immobilized part of his body. Also he wears the jersey with number 79 “with all of the care and love that you need” in the handwriting of its former owner.

He was born in Cumanayagua but has spent 3 years living in the provincial capital and because of a coincidence of fate corresponded with the presence of “the Big Elephant” (Jose Dariel – aka: Pito): “his mother forms part Athletics Faculty,” explained Pito.

Peter even followed his idol to Augusto Cesar Sandino Stadium (in Santa Clara, Cuba) and happily celebrated each home run in the orange brigade. According to his father Vladimir, the child would save each of the newspaper articles in previous seasons with photos of Jose Dariel. As well his witnessing each great achievement of the “novena verdinegra” is a must:

“Every day when he comes to a game, he does the same thing: he comes down to the field before and after the game and asks for a home run from Osvaldo, Pavel and me,” adds the starter from the south, who decided to please him by becoming the only Cuban batter to hit 30 home runs in three consecutive seasons.

“I want the team to get to the playoffs and be the super champions – was the prediction of Peter about his favorites. And that Pito can hit more home runs” he also added which didn’t fall on deaf ears of his new and best friend:

“God willing, I will go for the record. I want to do it this year,” proclaims Jose Dariel. “I always dedicate (the home runs) to God and thanks to him I have the opportunity to be where I am. But I have told everyone who asks now: the ones I dedicate to Peter are the greatest ones I have done in my life.”

I don’t know what it is about these Cuban baseball players but they seem to be extremely generous, thoughtful and caring with their fans – especially those who are less fortunate.

Viva Cuba!