In an interview with ESPN’s Roberto José Andrade Franco, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena opened up about his transformative journey from soccer to baseball in Cuba.
Apparently, Arozarena’s transition was fueled by a deep desire to provide financial assistance to his parents.
While Arozarena’s passion for soccer remains palpable, he candidly admitted, “It’s a sport I still love.”
The turning point came when Arozarena recognized the financial challenges his parents faced.
“Baseball was the only opportunity to make money and help my parents,” he shared. “That was the dream. Baseball paid $4.”
The stark contrast between the earning potentials of the two sports in Cuba is eye-opening.
However, it was the Bay Rays outfielder’s vision of lifting his family out of financial constraints that made Arozarena commit to baseball.
Puzzled and shocked, the interviewer asked:
“$4 a game or a week?”
To which, Randy responded saying,
“$4 a month. Soccer paid nothing. That’s why I transitioned to baseball, thinking about the future when I’d become a man.”
In July 2016, the St. Louis Cardinals signed Arozarena, originally from Cuba, as an international free agent, investing $1.25 million in the deal. After two years, he marked his entry into the major leagues on August 14, 2019.
Following this, Arozarena’s journey took him to the Tampa Bay Rays as he was traded on January 9, 2020.
He has since remained an integral part of the Rays’ roster. A significant milestone came his way when he was chosen as the starting outfielder for the American League in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game, marking his first-ever selection for this honor.
