Robert Patrick ‘Coco’ Montes spoke with Cuban Baseball Digest about being a part of the Cuban Professional Baseball Federation (Fepcube) and his role with the team. In the interview, he shares the origin of his nickname ‘Coco.’ The name originated when he was born with a full head of hair. After his grandparents shaved it off, his grandfather began calling him ‘cocoliso.’ Coco discusses what being a part of Fepcube means to him, his family, and representing those who have left Cuba, and hope for the freedom of Cuba. Coco also recounts his experiences in the Dominican Republic Winter League and expresses how his time with the Aguilas Cibaeñas will contribute to his performance in the Intercontinental Series. Additionally, he outlines his goals for the 2024 season.
Coco was first drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2015 but decided to attend the University of South Florida. He played three years at USF, slashing .284/.353/.390, and hit 10 home runs with 83 RBIs in his collegiate career.
In 2018, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 15th round of the MLB Draft. He joined Grand Junction in the Rockies farm system. He finished his first pro season in the Pioneer League hitting .333 with 8 home runs, 18 doubles, and 42 RBIs. He was named an All-Star and won the All-Star Game and Pioneer League MVP.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Coco did not play in 2020 but joined the Hartford Yard Goats in Double-A in 2021. He finished the season slashing .258/.316/.448 with 13 home runs and 60 RBIs. He led the team with 111 hits. In 2022, after 15 games with the Hartford Yard Goats, he was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. He finished the season in Triple-A hitting .274 with 20 home runs, 77 RBIs. During the offseason, Montes joined the Aguilas de Mexicali in the Mexican Pacific Winter League.
Coco began the 2023 season with the Isotopes, and on June 11, 2023, he was called up to the Colorado Rockies. In his debut, he went 2-3 with a game-tying home run and 2 RBIs. On September 5th, he was designated for assignment and rejoined Triple-A Albuquerque. He joined the Águilas Cibaeñas of the Dominican Winter League. In 27 games, he hit .320 with 2 home runs, 5 doubles, and 11 RBIs.
What position will you be playing on this team?
I’m not sure I think I will be playing 3B, that’s where they put me in practice today but I can play anywhere on field. Wherever they need me.
Explain to us how you got your nickname?
So when I was born, I had a full head of hair and my Grandparents shaved it off. My abuelo would call me “cocoliso” and it just stuck. I grew up with everyone calling me el coco, coco, cocoliso, I liked it so I kept it.
Being of Cuban descent how does it feel to represent FEPCUBE with the uniform?
I’m very happy to be here and be able to represent all the people who have left Cuba and are hoping for the freedom, something that means a lot to my grandparents. They are really exciting I am coming out here and I’m excited to play with the team.
Playing in the Winter with storied team like the Águilas Cibaeñas talk to us about that experience and how that helped you prepare for this camp?
Playing in the Dominican Republic was a really great experience, the competition is amazing. I had a lot of fun, playing on the island and I think it would help me a lot leading into this tournament.
You made your big league debut last year, what goals do you have with spring training this year with Colorado?
The goal is always to get better everyday, I just gotta go out there and do my thing and if Colorado needs me they’ll need me. If not, I’ll be playing wherever they send me and continue to perform and play baseball help my team win games wherever thats at.