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Gurriel’s big league dream comes true with Astros
- Updated: August 21, 2016
BALTIMORE — It’s a dream more than 15 years in the making, but borders and politics always stood in the way. Yulieski Gurriel, at 32 years old, knew he was running short on time if he wanted to reach the pinnacle of the sport and play in the big leagues, which is why he took a chance and defected from Cuba with his brother earlier this year.
Gurriel, who defected following the Caribbean Series in February and signed with the Astros in July for $47.5 million, stood in front of a big league locker on Sunday and spoke through a translator about his emotions and goals. He was in the lineup at designated hitter for the series finale against the Orioles and ready to tackle Major League Baseball.
“This is a dream of mine for years, and not only for me to make it, but a Cuban player to make it into the big leagues, is a big deal,” he said. “I’m just going to be very excited.”
The Astros will be excited if Gurriel can provide their offense the kind of offensive numbers he produced as one of Cuba’s top …
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