Alex Cora feels at home playing in New York (LS/Bill Menzel)

Citi Field July 29, 2009 — Mets infielder Alex Cora spoke with the Spanish speaking media, predominantly Dominican, on Wednesday afternoon at Citi Field several hours before the start of the contest that was scheduled with the Colorado Rockies (postponed because of the heavy rains). This July press conference was one of a series of monthly press conferences scheduled with the Spanish speaking media. The 2009 series was inaugurated in June with Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Cora joined the Mets after signing a one-year contract in January. The veteran infielder made his Major League debut for the Dodgers on June 7, 1998. He was drafted by Los Angeles after an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Miami. Cora had also been a member of the Cleveland Indians and the 2007 World Series Champions Boston Red Sox before signing with the Mets this year. His older brother, Joey, played in the majors for more than a decade, and is currently a bench coach with the Chicago White Sox.

Alex Cora and Juan Alicea, voice of the NYMets (LS/Bill Menzel)

Before the questioning began, the moderator, Juan Alicea, the long-time Spanish language voice of the Mets, thanked Julio Pabón, the president of the Latino Sports Writers and Broadcasters Association (LSWBA) and CEO of Latino Sports Ventures, Inc. for originating these press meetings and for his continued assistance.

In contrast to the Omar Minaya’s press conference on Monday, the meeting between the media representatives and Cora was not, of course, confrontational; as is expected of this exercise, the intent of eliciting information was satisfied with Cora’s responses imbued with courtesy, good humor, and honesty.

Alex thanked everyone present and said he has been well received in New York with its large Latino population.

Alex Cora taking and reflecting on a question (LS/Bill Menzel)

The veteran infielder spoke of his coming to New York and the team’s chances to succeed this season, He said “I believe it is not important if we win the division or get the Wild Card. If the hottest team enters in October as the Wild Card, it is likely it will win the championship. Whether we enter as Division winners, or as the Wild Card, the important thing is that we enter.

Obviously, it has not the best season for us, not expecting so many of our Star players to be out injured, but slowly we are making a showing and I want to say that we are making a great effort and also want to say that it has been a great experience and I am proud to be a Puerto Rican and a Latino, and to be here with the NY Mets.”

Latino Sports requested of Alex Cora to respond on the campaign to retire Roberto Clemente’s number 21.

“I have, as a Latino and Puerto Rican heard of this campaign. Clemente is the greatest player from my homeland. People speak of retiring his number, or his greatness as a player, but it is mistaken to say that he was just a great baseball player, and to hear all that gives me goose pimples; while growing up we were not just told of Roberto Clemente as a baseball player, but also as a person. If he was great as a player – he was that much better as a person. What he did for us Latinos, not only in the racial aspect was important, but to teach us of the value that not only a person goes on to play baseball, but of the importance that that platform is used to help others. The movement to retire his number is a tremendous movement, obviously, and a difficult one, but not impossible. I think, not only for myself, but the majority of our Latino players, that the retiring of number 21 would be a grandiose accomplishment.”

Over 40 media people were present at this Mets Spanish Media Press Conferenc (LS/Bill Menzel)

The 33 year-old big league veteran was asked if he saw a future in baseball as a coach or manager for himself. He thoughtfully responded, “It is not as easy as people think. It would be a great honor, considering there has never been a Puerto Rican manager in the Major Leagues, but my family would have to have a say in that decision. There are many great candidates including my brother Joey and ‘Cheito’ Oquendo.”

Cora spoke of being a Latino playing in New York City before large crowds of fellow Latinos, “It is with great pride that I am with this great organization. The love of the Latino fans here exceeds that in the other cities where I played.” He is pleased to play with players and in front of fans of similar background, “We are of many nations but the same blood. We speak the same language and have the same passion.”

A John Pennisi painting of Alex Cora is presented to the Mets Short Stop by Latino Sports Editor William Gerena Rochet

Regarding the pressure to play in New York, Cora explained how the Press seems to always be looking for sensation in a story.  In Boston, an intense baseball town, there was always an inquisitive press to whatever you did and that prepared him to play in New York. There is much scrutiny in the Capital of the World, New York, particularly with two baseball teams, but that is what is to be expected and knowing that, one must be prepared and not get be intimidated.

He responded to being put in the position to being an everyday player after expecting to be just a utility player. He attributes his holding up to good preparation, both mental and physical.

As far as community involvement was concerned, he said that with only a year contract he would like to be involved were to play in New York longer.

He spoke on Puerto Rico Winter Baseball and lack of Puerto Rican Major Leaguers in that venue. Personally, as in the case of many Puerto Rican Major Leaguers who relocate to the states to have their families closer, he found it onerous to play in the states and then ask his family to move back to the island for winter ball. Earlier Cora had said how difficult baseball made it for a family in having him miss many of his children’s first time activities.

Cora spoke of the recent firing of Tony Bernazard, “Players don’t control those decisions. For me, as a person, I don’t have the knowledge of the reasons.”  He spoke of his personal good feelings toward both Bernazard and Minaya.

Cora ended his remarks naming his favorite places in New York LS/Bill Menzel)

Cora ended his remarks by humorously answering a question to name his favorite places in New York City, “My favorite place is my house; my favorite restaurant is the clubhouse, and my favorite sight is Citi Field.”