Chicago Cubs looking to keep Javier Baez and his swagger in town

Chicago Cubs: Hero of the people

We often think of our baseball heroes as great athletes capable of amazing heroics on the field. For some athletes, they not only carry the water for their sport but more so for their countries and their ethnic followers. For these fans, ethnic players are about more than baseball or a game or even a season: they are about representing their countries and their heritage. Baez is a great example of this as reported by Joe Roman, Jr. of the Depaulia:

"“Báez being on the cover of “MLB The Show” isn’t just impacting Cubs fans, but also Puerto Ricans from Chicago. Báez is from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and playing for a city with a huge Puerto Rican community. …for the Puerto Rican community in Chicago having Báez on the cover is a boost of confidence and pride…”"

Baez is aware of his role in his community which is very similar to that of Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. Contreras became an outspoken critic of his Venezuelan leadership before last season began. His comments struck such a chord with the President’s critics, Contreras had to smuggle his parents out of their country for fear of reprisal against them.

While Baez is not in any danger of losing political points in his hometown Puerto Rico, he understands what he has accomplished represents himself, his people and the kids that will follow in his footsteps someday.

The young superstar says it’s an honor to represent his community and recalls that he grew up in Puerto Rico playing baseball and baseball video games. Now that his image will grace the cover of one of those video games,  all the young Puerto Rican youth worldwide will be lining up to emulate Baez.

That’s nothing new for the Cubs shortstop magician who has been making fans from Chicago to Los Angeles.