Oscar Salazar of Maracay, Venezuela, is earning a reputation as a strong infielder and powerhouse hitter with the Baltimore Orioles.
His success was not always a sure thing, though.
Salazar debuted in Major League Baseball in 2002, but only lasted eight games with the Detroit Tigers. He tried his luck in the Mexican leagues, and, with no other offers, took one last shot at a career in baseball in Italy.
That’s where Salazar really put in his time. “”You have to be patient… When you go to Italy, you can’t go over there and say ‘play and have fun.’ You’ve got to go over there and work,” he said.
It paid off, and Salazar became the best hitter in the Italian leagues. Back in Venezuela, he caught the attention of an Orioles scout. Now, he is helping them win games.
“It’s a reminder to our group… You cannot let anyone tell you you can’t do anything,” said Orioles Manager Dave Tremblay. Credit: Washington Post.
