The name of Joakim Soria is already a synonym of history for Mexican baseball players. The 37-year-old pitcher has decided to retire from the Major Leagues, but in his journey he leaves several records that demonstrate his longevity and high performance through nine teams.
Soria Ramos played a total of 14 seasons in the MLB, which is the fifth highest figure among all Mexican players, since the record is held by Oliver Pérez with 19 and there are others like Fernando Valenzuela with 17, Vinicio Castilla with 16 and Jorge De la Rosa with 15. With his participation from 2007 to 2021, Joakim far surpassed Yovanni Gallardo (12 seasons), Roberto Ávila (11) and Karim García (10).
But his most outstanding record is that of being the Mexican with the most games in the history of the Major Leagues, since he says goodbye with a total of 773, surpassing the 696 of Pérez and the 673 of Dennys Reyes, who form the top 3. Of the Mexican players active in the MLB, the closest are Giovanny Gallegos (St. Louis Cardinals) and Luis Cessa (Cincinnati Reds), although with a still very distant margin, since the latter add 177 and 155 games.
Originally from Monclova, Coahuila, Soria made his major league debut on April 4, 2007 with the Kansas City Royals and later built a career with eight other teams: Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics , Arizona Diamondbacks and Toronto Blue Jays, with whom he closed his career in 2021.
“One day an uncle told me: ‘when you have a goal in your life, set it well, do everything you can to achieve it and go back or take flight, it is a phrase that has served me throughout my growth,” he mentioned. Soria upon being awarded the Coahuila State Sports Award in 2010, more than a decade before retiring from professional baseball.
Despite his long career, the Monclovense could not enter the select list of Mexicans who have played a World Series, much less who have been champions. His best record was a pair of nominations for the All-Star Game, in 2008 and 2010, playing for the Royals, as well as a bronze with the Mexican team at the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games.
His 91-96 mile fastballs and 80-84 slider made him one of the most reliable relievers since his inception with Kansas City, where he eventually became a closer. He appeared in 62 games in his first season, with 17 saves and a 2.48 ERA, and was fifth among all relievers in WAR, earning him Rookie of the Year votes.
During his career, the family has been one of his strongest points of inspiration. His father was a high school math teacher and one of his uncles became a computer systems engineer despite losing both arms in his youth.
“We have the majority of athletes who are born without talent, but who day by day strive to raise our families, we strive double or triple to be able to become a little talented and be successful in life,” said the player when he was living his prime with the Royals.
It wasn’t all baseball. Soria also used his times of splendor to contribute to Mexican society, creating a foundation with his name, a social support program to help children during the pandemic and, in addition, asked that the nickname of ‘The Mexican Executioner’ be withdrawn for no longer incite the violence of the country.
“Things are very bad in Mexico right now, there are many weapons in Mexico, things are out of control. If I could change people’s minds, change the nickname, or get rid of it. It is not something of great importance, but I think it is the most convenient. I take my people into consideration, ”he said in 2011. A decade later, he doesn’t need nicknames to be recognized, as his performance raised his name to one of Mexico’s longest-running legends in the Major Leagues.
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Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx