NORFOLK, Va. — Alex Mauricio became the most recent opponent of the Tides that has ties to Hampton Roads. The righthanded pitcher, who's from Chesterfield, Virginia in the Richmond area, once played a shade over a half mile away from Harbor Park over at Norfolk State University.
The 27 year old made an impact as a Spartan, becoming the first player to win MEAC Player of the Year. In 2017, he got the ultimate wish and was drafted by the team of his childhood in the New York Yankees in the 27th round.
Less than two weeks ago, he got the call he was headed to Triple-A becoming just the 5th Spartan player to get to that level.
"It was surreal. It was very surreal", he said. "Being in the Yankees organization it's tough to move up, because we have so many high quality individuals at every position so you're always waiting for that call."
In 2019, he suffered a setback that involved him injuring his arm and having to get Tommy John surgery. Moving back home and working various jobs, he ultimately wound up teaching the game to children back in Chesterfield. It was there, through the encouragement of the very children he was guiding he got his love of the game.
Mauricio admits it did affect him. "That moment was a challenge to my mental health, so I used those two years to be able to strengthen that area to my game."
It's been working for him and he feels anything is possible.
"They say if you stay ready, you don't have to get ready", he said. "I didn't take time off. I was always ramping up. Staying in shape to be able to come back and present myself the right way."
Mauricio is now just one call away from the bright lights of the Bronx.