Andrew Pérez became a cult hero for the Tigres del Licey in last season’s LIDOM Serie Final after getting out of a no-out bases loaded jam in Game 1 of the series in a game that his team went on to win in extra innings.
Last season in the Dominican Winter League he was a key piece for the team from Santo Domingo’s bullpen, posting a 1.84 earned run average in 19 outings during the regular season for the Tigres. The left-hander also fanned 11 in 14⅔ innings pitched during the winter campaign.
Recently sources have told the Cuban Baseball Digest that the hurler has expressed interest in representing Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. With a fastball that sit between 95 and 97 Mph Pérez could be a welcomed edition to the team’s bullpen.
You became a cult hero with the Licey fans in the last LIDOM final by getting out of a baseball loaded jam in extra innings during game 1. Tell us about your mindset when you took the mound on that day?
Extremely thankful for the opportunity to pitch in the LIDOM and especially with Licey each winter. My mindset in that first game honestly was to fill up the zone and get the job done. Obviously I was the last pitcher in the bullpen with such a long game so there was no pressure to just go out and compete, but rather to go and get each out out by out and make a name for yourself knowing that. Getting out of that jam right there gave the offense a chance to hit. We ended up getting the win in game 1 and it was awesome to be part of it.
Are you are of Cuban descent?
Although I was born in the states, my mother is Dominican and my father is Cuban. So the opportunity has presented itself in part to be available to play with Cuba.
Do you plan to return to the LIDOM next season?
Yes, Licey is an important part of my career and I’m very thankful to be able to compete and push for a title each year with the club during the winter. I’m looking forward to the opportunity this winter to return and reach the final goal, which is the corona 25.
Sources tell me you are interested in playing for Cuba in the next WBC. Have they reached out to you about playing for the team?
Nothing directly as of now with the WBC, but would look forward to hearing from them as next few months come about.