Pedro Grifol was born in Miami to Cuban parents, studied at Florida State University and went on to participate in two College World Series with the Seminoles in 1989 and 1991. During the ’91 season he was selected an All-American . The Marlins interviewed him in 2022 for the manager’s position before opting for Skip Schumaker and the Chicago White Sox would then go on to hire him as their manager:
“When I interviewed here [for the manager’s position] in 2022 I also did it with Kansas City and with Chicago. Obviously, I ended up with Chicago, but at that time I dreamed of managing the team in the city where I grew up, but God had other plans. He put me here and I am very happy with the opportunity they have given me in this organization, said the manager to our sister page Pelota Cubana.
A former catcher who reached Triple-A and spent nine seasons in the minors with the Minnesota Twins and New York Mets organizations. Grifol was in the Royals organization for 10 years, but his name was been linked on other occasions to managerial positions with other franchises such as the Baltimore Orioles, the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers.
There is a lot of talk these days about his future in Chicago, since the last two seasons have not been good at all. But Grifol is not afraid of what may happen, he maintains his faith that everything happens for a reason.
You are a Miami product, what does it mean to return to the city as a manager?
It’s not just what it means. I grew up about two or three blocks from here [loanDepot Park]. This was the Orange Bowl before. Returning as a major league manager is like a dream for me. I grew up in this area, I played ball in this area watching Baltimore practice a mile away. This is a dream for me.
It’s been a difficult season, how do you avoid feeling pressure?
I have a lot of faith in God and he put me here for a reason. He’s giving us the season he’s giving us for a reason. One has to keep learning and working. At some point, when he wants things will change, but we have to keep working.
What do you think of Oscar Colás?
The last time he came up he looked super good. He looked like a player who already deserves to be here and who is going to produce at this level. What there wasn’t was an opportunity for him. He has to continue working down there, put up numbers and when he has another opportunity, take advantage of it.
Since (Minnie) Miñoso, this franchise has trusted Cuban talent, why?
Here, the owner and our front office have confidence in any player who we think can help us. Right now we have Luis Robert, Moncada, Oscar Colás. We are looking for good players. Thank God we have those Cubans who are good Major League players.
How do your roots help you understand your Cuban players?
Obviously, one understands the culture. Not only for me, they feel comfortable around me., They can communicate with me and I understand them. Sometimes things are difficult for players when there are managers who are not Latino.