Raúl Ibáñez had a distinguished career and posted borderline Hall of Fame numbers. The Cuban-American slugger played 19 years on the grand stage with the Yankees, Mariners,Royals,Phillies, and Angels. Over that span Ibáñez hit a solid .272 with 2,034 hits, 424 doubles, 305 homeruns, and slashed .335/.465/.801.
The product of Miami-Dade College garnered an All-Star selection in 2009 with Philadelphia and drove in 1,207 runs over his career. Ibáñez was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 36th round of the 1992 draft and made his major league debut in 1996 with the team.
Today the ex-slugger works with the Los Angeles Dodgers as their Vice-President of Baseball Development and Special Projects. Before that Ibáñez worked for MLB operations as their Vice-President of on-field operations with the responsibility of overseeing the umpiring discipline and other on-field issues.
Below are excerpts from an interview with Alfredo Álvarez during MLB All-Star weekend.
For many years you not only played in the major meagues, but also the Cubans in the big leagues.
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure, it also brings me great pride and an honor. I feel very blessed to have been able to live this dream in my life.
What advice can a player like Raúl Ibáñez give to young baseball prospects?
Well, keep working hard and always stay focused on the goal. They are going to be a lot of difficulties because it is very difficult path to the majors, but you also have to keep trying, fight and never give up. And at the same time use their platforms to help these less fortunate.
How proud were you to be loved by both the American and Cuban communities?
Very proud to be loved by both communities. My parents were born in Cuba, as were my brothers. I was the only one who was born here in New York and raised in Miami. I still live in Miami and I am always very attached to the Cuban community. I have always been very proud to be a Cuban-American.
Would Raúl Ibáñez like to see many more Cubans in Major League baseball?
Of course always. And there are many Latin players, from the Caribbean, especially Cubans who are very good. I am with the Dodgers organization and we have Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas who are doing tremendous job for us. There are more Cubans on the way to league, but I always feel very proud and connected to the Cubans.