Henry Urrutia has been a “giant” in every sense of the word in the Dominican Winter League. The Cuban slugger is fourth amongst his countrymen in LIDOM history in hits with 147, only Rigoberto “Tito” Fuentes (339), Bryan Peña (240) and Alejandro Crespo (181) have more hits than Urrutia. In total Urrutia has 462 winter league hits and has also won a batting crown in the LIDOM (2022) and LVBP (2018).
The ex-league batting champion in the Dominican circuit has has a down year this season due to ineffective usage, which is very perplexing and a few minor injuries have affected his performance. But when given a chance the Cuban has performed at a high level. Two weeks ago against the Estrellas Orientales was a great example of this when he smacked a three-run shot to help his squad to a pivotal victory.
With the LIDOM headed into its final week and Urrutia’s team tied with the Leones del Escogido things could interesting very soon. The Gigantes were out but they seem to be surging and have the momentum heading into the Round Robin. Below is a recent interview with Urrutia and few journalists of the Dominican press that cover the LIDOM.
What is the team’s state of mind at this moment in the season?
Go game by game fundamentally, when you are out of the classification you cannot be thinking about first place. You have to go step by step and push teams back, I think that’s our motivation right now. There was no negativity, the team is working hard and it has started to pay off.
Overall health is always an issue in a season especially in a league where 50 games are played how has it affected the team?
Thank God we are all fine, the guys have prepared quite well, they have done good work in the gym. In my case I am fine, I have not had any type of injury that took me out of the game and right now we are all at 100% . Hopefully it continues that way.
How does it feel to be considered one of the greatest Cuban players in LIDOM history?
I don’t feel like I’m one of the best, but it’s a satisfaction for me to know that I’ve left my mark in such a prestigious and talented league.
Do you have a message for the fans?
Continue to see us at the stadium. Many thought we were dead, but they are beginning to see that the Gigantes are in the thick of things and that we will not go down without a fight.