Since baseball season is under way, I thought that it was only a matter of time before I wrote an article on one of my favorite players. He has been on the main roster for the Cubs since 2015, and people love him. He is fun and charismatic. Here are nine reasons why Javy Báez is significant to the Puerto Rican people and just about, everyone to be honest.
1. He provides us with gif-worthy moments.
He is literally always doing something that is gif-worthy. Let's throw it back to when he started celebrating with Yadier Molina before he even tagged out Nelson Cruz, in the World Baseball Classics. Or when he miraculously caught that piece of gum during a Cubs game. Or all the love he gives the camera.
2. He is an inspiration.
Just look at all of the success that he has had. Báez was drafted by the Cubs organization in 2011, in the first round with the ninth overall pick. He is out there showing all the people on the island, especially little kids, that if you dream big. It can happen. Javy is an inspiration to every little boy playing baseball in Puerto Rico. He has made it. He won a World Series Championship. Is that not the dream, when you start playing baseball?
3. He is humble.
Báez is probably one of the most humble people out there. He has always remembered where he came from. His love for his family has always been a motivator for him. Now that he has won a World Series, he does not want anyone to treat him differently. He even died his hair, as an attempt for people not to recognize him.
4. He is charitable.
Báez does a lot of work for charities. His girlfriend, Irmarie Márquez, is one of the leading women working with Cubs charities. Both Báez and Márquez are very charitable people and give a lot back to their communities.
5. His undying love for the island.
Listen, we get it. Puerto Rico is not the greatest. Even though Báez left when he was in middle school, Puerto Rico is where he chooses to call home. He has great pride in where he comes from and Puerto Ricans love it! It is where he spent most of his offseason and Puerto Rico did not fail to show him, love.
6. His love for his sister.
May she rest in peace. Noely Báez, who passed in away on April 8th, 2015, due to complications with spina bifida. She is why Báez plays the game. She is his motivator. He plays with a glove that is embroidered with her name. Báez is a firm believer that she is watching down over him as he plays the game.
7. The way he plays the game.
Báez plays the game with a certain flair, that the fans love! He is very energetic and full of life. All of his throws, hits, and tags are just so fun to watch. He has a true love for the game and it certainly shows when he plays the game!
8. He loves his fans.
Whenever asked for a picture, he will most likely stop and take one with you. He listens to his fans stories and really takes it to heart. He relates to his fans, as well. Pretty much an all around caring dude.
9. So, overall he is a pretty cool dude!
What is there not to love about Javy Báez?!
As you can see he brings a lot to the Cubs. He definitely makes baseball more enjoyable, since he is so cute! He is a good guy with a good heart! So from Chicago fans to you, We love you Javy!