Raul Ibáñez was a professional hitter in the definition of the word. His more than 2,000 base knocks and 300 dingers support that argument. Although he was only elected to one all-star his bat was very feared for years.
His more than 1,200 RBI’s include four seasons with at least 100 driven in. For his career he averages more than 23 homers and 90 runs batted in per campaign to go along with a solid .272 average. Ibáñez also has the distinction of pinch-hitting for Alex Rodríguez in a playoff game, an at-bat in which he homered against Baltimore’s Jim Johnson.
With some of the recent inductions in the Hall of Fame Ibáñez’s numbers are arguably worthy of that distinction. Today he works with the Dodgers as their vice president of baseball development and special projects.
Being of Cuban descent how does it feel to be in the city of Miami?
Well, I live here. I also grew up here. I was born in New York or raised in Miami, so I consider myself a my native Miami. I feel honored and privileged to be here. Growing up here, I amvery proud of our Cuban heritage down here in Miami.
One of the hottest bats on the team is a Cuban, Andy Pagés. Have you given me any tips on on on on hitting?
He’s doing a great job. I mean, there’s a, there’s a lot of guys I know that he spends a lot of time with, Teo, our hitting guys, Robert Van Scoyoc, Aaron Bates and JT have done a phenomenal job with him as well. And Andy is a he’s a learner and wants to get better. He’s constantly working on his craft, competes and and he’s got the the heart of a lion. So I couldn’t be prouder and and happier for him.
You had a a great career and there are guys that have gotten into the HOF recently with inferior numbers. In your opinion are you Hall of Fame worthy?
I really don’t think about that. I’m just thinking more about my career more from a perspective of being really grateful for everything that I was able to achieve and accomplish. I was a 36 round pick, worked really hard and I was able to, you know, live my dream living here in the US and and also growing up in Miami, FL representing the city and Major League Baseball as well. So I prefer to look at it more from a perspective of gratitude and and being thankful for everything that’s happened, the journey that I’ve been on and I continue to be on and continue to grow in this game.
May 17th is Cuban heritage night, will you be in attendance?
I’m proud kid of of Cuban immigrants that that migrated here in the 1970s, the early 1970s. I take my Cuban heritage very seriously. I’m very, very honored, thankful and grateful to be Cuban.