Up Close & Personal...

If you’re down, don’t beat yourself down. Stay focused on your goal and the road to recovery will be smoother.

The first time I went to Yankee Stadium as a young child, I knew that was my destiny. I did everything I had to do to get there. Thanks to that determination I am living my dream.

During the baseball season there are many highs and lows, but every drop of sweat is worth it when you win a Championship.

My son Jorge has taught me a big lesson on staying strong and keeping a positive attitude. Even when he was at the hospital after a twelve hour surgery he still managed to smile when he heard his mom’s voice.

When I’m on the field I push myself to the limit on every play. I might not always succeed but I have to do my best.

I am proud to be a member of the NY Yankees. They are part of my family and I can’t imagine myself in another uniform.

Where am I from? Ok, I’ll clear it up. My dad is Cuban. My mom is Dominican and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. So, what does that make me? I guess I’m Cudorican.

I love being a catcher because I’m involved in every play of the game. I have to stay focused 100%, 100% of the time.

When in the Dominican Republic I like mangu, when in PR rice and beans and from Cuba my mom’s ropa vieja has no competition.

I met my wife by chance when we were teenagers when I umpired one of her softball games. She borrowed a glove from me and then somehow stole my heart.