Santeria in Major League and the Major Leagues

Matt Harvey had not been sidelined and I was at Citifield watching my beloved Mets try and do something that everyone in Major League Baseball has been attempting to do over the past 10 years. We tried like many of the other pitchers around the league and like them couldn’t quite succeed. The mission stop Miguel Cabrera. Over these past two seasons it has been particularly challenging to stop the Venezuelan superstar. My Mets won’t be participating in the postseason but two others will.

The Tigers are headed to the playoffs and the Indians are playing in their wildcard game on Wednesday night. The most memorable Tiger today is Cabrera and the most memorable Cleveland Indian squad was featured in the film Major League. Both lineups were anchored by some power hitting, Spanish speaking batters.

Miguel has always been good. At age 20 he was batting cleanup for the World Series winning Florida Marlins. In each of his 10 seasons Miggy has received a vote for MVP. His consistency is incredible and underrated.

As I was talking to (and by talking of course I meant texting) one my boys and biggest Met fans around, Mayor Brian about the game, he hit me with a gem. We were discussing Cabrera and couldn’t believe he was still only 30 years old. We were wondering how many more home runs he would have hit if he didn’t play all those years in that monstrous stadium in south Florida. With his slightly never suspected PED use, how legendary would it be if Cabrera won back to back triple crowns?

Then on August 18th at 7:31 pm he texted this.

Santeria?

Pedro and Jobu

We all remember Pedro Cerrano don’t we? If you’ve never seen the original Major League movie, I’m sorry for you. If you saw the final incarnation of the movie I’m also sorry for you. In any event, Pedro Cerrano was a Cuban defect who ended up on the Indians. He practiced what seemed to be a form of Santeria and praised a small figure or god named Jobu. Jobu was an integral part to Cerrano’s success.

Sidenote, I always wondered where I recognized that State Farm guy from.

There is a negative connotation that comes with most non western religions. Santeria is no different. As this 2007 LA Times article states, the stigma has kept many players from revealing their spiritual tradition.

As for Cabrera, it is public knowledge that he practices Santeria but is not speaking openly to American media about his spirituality. Cabrera who struggled with his diet and alcohol did make a comment to a Venezuelan reporter, stating, “Religion has influenced me a lot. It’s helped me find peace, health and stability with me and those around me. I think this is one of the best things that has happened to me in my life … and I’m very proud to be a babalawo and be part of this religion.”

As baseball continues to be a sport dominated by Latino and Caribbean cultures,it might be time to also embrace or at least recognize more of the cultural traits represented by it’s players. It’s reported that while with the Marlins, Jeff Loria helped Cabrera transport his religious icons and statues for road games.

Pedro Cerrano might have been a satirical character and Jobu might have been something created in jest but perhaps there’s something we could learn from my favorite player on that Indian squad.

When Cerrano struggled at his most it was Jobu and his faith that he turned to.

Cabrera isn’t fooled by many curveballs but he could’ve used some extra

And according to Cerrano, Jesus Christ won’t be as helpful as Jobu when it comes to hitting a bender.

Cabrera is clearly a better all around hitter than Cerrano but then again as reported Miggy is babalawo. Cerrano didn’t always believe, Cabrera is a priest within the religion. As Mayor Brian and I joked about Miguel’s success and its relation to Santeria I began to think more and more about why there’s been so little spoken about Cabrera and others who practice.

Santeria will likely never be accepted by the masses but to have the best player in baseball being a prominent practicing member might lead towards a stride into a different direction.

One thing I do know is about Cabrera is that not only is he proud of his spirituality and with his play on the field, it is clear that he has marbles.