CALLE OCHO RANKINGS
- Roberto Clemente
Nickname: Arriba
Country of origin: Puerto Rico
Position: Outfielder
Years in which he played: 1955-1972
Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Notable Statistic: 3,000 Hits
World Series wins: 2
Roberto Clemente was the first Hispanic player designated as the League’s Most Valuable Player and the first Hispanic player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Outside of sports, he showed a passion for helping those less fortunate. Clemente was tragically killed in a plane crash while on his way to Nicaragua as part of an earthquake relief mission.
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Mariano Rivera
Nickname: Sandman
Country of origin: Panama
Position: Relief Pitcher
Years in which he played: 1995-2013
Team: New York Yankees
Notable Statistic: 652 saves
World Series wins: 5
Mariano Rivera is the best closing pitcher in baseball history, holding a league record for saved games. His uniform number 42 was retired by the New York Yankees as a testament to his greatness.
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Alex Rodriguez
Nickname: ARod
Country of Origin: United States
Position: Shortstop
Years in which he played:1994-2016
Teams: Seattle Mariners,Texas Rangers and New York Yankees
Notable Statistic: 696 Home Runs
World Series wins:1
Born in the United States to Dominican parents, Rodriguez is considered one of the best shortstops in baseball both for his excellent fielding skills and his forceful hitting.
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Albert Pujols
Nickname: The Machine
Country of origin: Dominican Republic
Position: Designated Hitter
Years in which he played: 2001-present
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels
Notable statistic: 679 Home Runs
World Series wins: 2
His consistent, high-level play helped the St. Louis Cardinals win two World Series Championships.
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Miguel Cabrera
Nickname: Miggy
Country of origin: Venezuela
Position: First Base
Years in which he played: 2003 to present
Teams: Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers
Notable Statistic: 11 time All Star
World Series wins: 1
As proof of his extraordinary hitting, in 2012 Cabrera won the MLB triple crown by being the league leader in hits, home runs and batting average.
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David Ortiz
Nickname: Big Papi
Country of origin: Dominican Republic
Position: Designated Hitter
Years in which he played: 1997-2016
Teams: Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins
Statistical standout: 1,768 Runs Batted In (RBI)
World Series wins: 3
Big Papi was famous for producing clutch hits that sealed games in the last innings. Feared by pitchers and idolized by his fans.
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Jose Canseco
Nickname:Cuban Canon
Country of Origin: Cuba
Position: Outfielder
Years in which he played:1985-2001
Teams: Oakland A's, Texas Rangers, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Notable Statistic: 462 Home Runs
World Series wins:2
A Habana native, Canseco enjoyed immediate success in the Major Leagues as he was named Rookie of the Year in 1986. He had a lethal combination, speed, power and confidence.
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Fernando Valenzuela
Nickname: El Toro
Country of origin: Mexico
Position: Pitcher
Years in which he played: 1980-1997
Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres
Outstanding stat: 2,074 strikeouts
World Series wins: 1
Revolutionized the world of baseball as a rookie with the Los Angeles Dodgers leading them to win the World Series. He created the phenomenon of "FernandoMania" to a national level.
