The Improbable Life of Cuban American Baseball Star Orestes Destrade

Isabel “Lefty” Alvarez: The Improbable Life of a Cuban American Baseball Star

by Kat D. Williams

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1181 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	182 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Orestes Destrade was born in Cuba in 1961. His family was poor, and he grew up in a small village with limited opportunities. But Destrade had a dream: he wanted to play baseball.

Destrade began playing baseball at a young age. He was a natural talent, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Cuban baseball. In 1980, he made the Cuban national team. Destrade was one of the youngest players ever to make the team, and he quickly became one of its stars.

In 1983, Destrade defected from Cuba to the United States. He was granted political asylum, and he began playing baseball in the minor leagues. In 1986, he made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox.

Destrade played in the Major Leagues for 11 seasons. He was a versatile player who could play both infield and outfield. He was also a good hitter and a solid fielder. Destrade was a fan favorite, and he helped the White Sox win the American League West division title in 1993.

Destrade's story is an improbable one. He overcame poverty, discrimination, and injury to become a Major League Baseball player. He is an inspiration to all who dream of achieving their goals.

Overcoming Poverty

Destrade was born into a poor family in Cuba. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a homemaker. Destrade's family lived in a small village with limited opportunities. But Destrade never gave up on his dream of playing baseball.

Destrade began playing baseball at a young age. He would often play with his friends in the streets of his village. Destrade was a natural talent, and he quickly became one of the best players in his village.

When Destrade was 12 years old, he was invited to try out for the provincial baseball team. Destrade made the team, and he quickly became one of its stars. Destrade played for the provincial team for two years, and he helped the team win two provincial championships.

In 1980, Destrade was invited to try out for the Cuban national team. Destrade made the team, and he quickly became one of its stars. Destrade was one of the youngest players ever to make the team, and he was one of its best hitters.

Destrade played for the Cuban national team for three years. He helped the team win the gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics. He also helped the team win the silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Overcoming Discrimination

Destrade faced discrimination throughout his career. He was often taunted by opposing fans because of his Cuban heritage. But Destrade never let the discrimination get to him. He continued to play hard and to be a good teammate.

In 1983, Destrade defected from Cuba to the United States. He was granted political asylum, and he began playing baseball in the minor leagues. In 1986, he made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox.

Destrade faced discrimination in the Major Leagues as well. He was often treated differently by teammates and coaches because of his Cuban heritage. But Destrade never let the discrimination get to him. He continued to play hard and to be a good teammate.

Destrade's story is an inspiration to all who face discrimination. He shows that it is possible to overcome discrimination and to achieve your goals.

Overcoming Injury

Destrade suffered a number of injuries throughout his career. In 1987, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. The injury required surgery, and Destrade missed the entire 1988 season.

Destrade returned to the White Sox in 1989, but he was never the same player. He was no longer as fast or as agile. But Destrade still had a good bat, and he continued to be a valuable player for the White Sox.

In 1993, Destrade helped the White Sox win the American League West division title. He was a key player in the team's success, and he was a fan favorite.

Destrade continued to play in the Major Leagues until 1997. He retired after 11 seasons with a .275 batting average, 104 home runs, and 558 runs batted in.

Destrade's story is an inspiration to all who suffer from injuries. He shows that it is possible to overcome injuries and to achieve your goals.

Orestes Destrade is an inspiration to all who dream of achieving their goals. He overcame poverty, discrimination, and injury to become a Major League Baseball player. Destrade's story shows that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.

The Improbable Life of Cuban American Baseball Star Orestes Destrade is a must-read for anyone who loves baseball or who is interested in stories of overcoming adversity. Destrade's story is an inspiration to us all.

Isabel “Lefty” Alvarez: The Improbable Life of a Cuban American Baseball Star

by Kat D. Williams

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1181 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	182 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE