FLUSHING, NY — Baltimore Orioles pitcher Félix Bautista won the 2023 American League LatinoMVP Relief/Closer of the Year award, but did not know he won that prestigious award until today when we visited him at Citi Field. The Orioles are here in New York for a three-game series vs. the Mets, which allowed us the opportunity to talk to him.
Félix Bautista receives his LatinoMVP commemorative shirt – Image Credit: Latino Sports
Though we communicate with all the teams when one of their players makes the LatinoMVP ballot during Spring Training and eventually once again in April if their player is a winner, we have experienced that some players did not know that they were on the ballot or like in Felix’ case that he won. We don’t understand how this could occur when we communicate with every member of the teams media department, but we can only conclude that there is still some uneven development with the teams when it comes to our awards. However, we are confidant and proud that we have overcome many of the obstacles to still have the most prestigious and oldest award given to Latino baseball players celebrating its 35 years of existence in 2025.
Image Credit: Latino Sports
The fact that we are in New York helps our cause as both American and National league teams visit New York throughout the season. This provides us with an opportunity to personally visit any player and speak to them as in the case with Félix who told us that he did not know about the award.
The following is the brief interview we had with Félix Bautista.
LS – It’s a pleasure meeting you today and giving you a brief history of the oldest and most prestigious award, the LatinoMVP given to Latino baseball players. You have won this award for your great season with the Orioles in 2023.
FB – The pleasure is mine.
LS – Unfortunately, since you were injured, we never had the opportunity to meet and interview you. So, we are glad that you were able to travel with the team for this series giving us the opportunity to meet you. So now that you know a bit about the history of this award and that you have won it for your role as 2023 closer for the Orioles what are your thoughts?
FB – I’m very pleased, very pleased. Now that I’m aware of the award and that I won, I am very appreciative of winning it.
LS – What are your thoughts that there is an award exclusively for Latino baseball players?
FB – You know that is something that makes us feel appreciated. That there are people, an organization that takes their time to see our (players) actions, that we are considered for the work that we are doing. To take our actions into account makes us feel proud.
LS – This award is given during the month of September, during Hispanic Heritage Month in the home stadium of the awardee. We are presently in conversation with your team to find a date for us to present your award to you in front of your home fans. Also, our awards are not plaques, or trophy’s as I’m sure you have been receiving those since you were a child. Our awards are a piece of art of your image. Where will you put that piece when you receive it.
FB – (BIG SMILE) Oh, I’m taking that home to the D.R. where I have a room where I put all my achievements. That’s where I will put that award.
LS – Now that you know that you have won you should be proud and let your family know that you have won what many consider the Latino Grammy in baseball.
FB – He laughs and repeats, “the Latino baseball grammy.” Yes, I will.
LS – We look forward to seeing you in September.
FB – Yes, thank you.
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