I love everything about Japan.”
So says Ariel Martínez of Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, a player in his sixth NPB season. Martinez was born and raised in Cuba, but “I think I have adapted well to Japan, and I am enjoying my life here. I love Japanese food,” he smiles, and seems to have adjusted well to life in a foreign country. In this issue, we take a closer look at the real face of Martinez.
What motivated me to start playing baseball? The value of “effort” I learned from baseball in Japan
Martinez grew up in an environment where his family and neighbors would all watch Cuban national team games whenever there was an international tournament like the WBC. He says that this environment inspired him to start playing baseball, saying, “I want to one day join the amazing Cuban national team, which always plays a leading role in the WBC and the Olympics.”
Furthermore, the presence of Cuban players who had played in the NPB had a big influence on Martinez. In particular, the success of Alfredo Despaigne and Yurisbel Gracial, who played for Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, gave Martinez confidence. “Seeing them succeed gave me confidence, and I told myself, ‘I can do it too,'” he recalls of his time in Japan.
Also of Cuban descent, Fukuoka Softbank pitcher Liván Moinelo and The Giants pitcher Raidel Martinez are special to Martinez.
“I’m very close with them, and I’m very happy that they’re having good results in Japan. When I play against Rydell and Moinelo, I know there’s a good chance I’ll lose, but that’s exactly why I approach them with a strong will and courage, thinking that I have nothing to lose. They’re both fantastic pitcher at the top level in Japan, so I’d like to play against them more in the future!”
In particular, he said she often has the opportunity to go out to eat with pitcher Moinelo, who also plays in Pacific League. “Recently, we celebrated when Moinelo won the monthly MVP award in June. When he comes to Hokkaido, we go out to eat together, and when I go to Fukuoka, he invites me out to eat,” he said with a smile.
Martinez smiling during practice ©PLM
The cultures and environments of Japan and Latin America are very different, but Martinez says that the thing he values most since coming to Japan is “effort.”
“Playing in the NPB is not easy for young people in Japan, and I know that many players struggle to get into the NPB. But because I had the opportunity to come from Cuba, I have to value the importance of ‘effort.’ As Latin Americans, we tend to be a little optimistic, but (since coming to Japan) I have learned the importance of working hard to achieve our goals and practicing hard.”
Martinez’s earnest personality, which is evident in every word he speaks, is likely one of the reasons for his success in Japan.
Respect for teammates Special feelings for those who have spent time with us in our old home and Chunichi
After finishing 6th in the 2023 season and 2nd last season, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham finished the first half of this season in first place. Behind this great leap forward is the growth of each of the players. When asked which player in particular, in Martinez’s opinion, has shown the most growth, he said, “There are many,” but he cited the high potential of the Chusei Mannami player, saying, “His shoulders and ability are becoming famous all over the world. He went on to mention Shun Mizutani players by name and said, “I think the ceiling of talent is still far away. When he reaches the highest level, he will be a great player,” he said. He also praised Kiyomiya’s steady step up, saying, “He is a promising player and continues to grow wonderfully.
He also has special feelings for Yuya Gunji and Takumi Yamamoto pitcher players, with whom he also spent time together in his old Chunichi days, and smiles, saying, “I really like the way Gunji works, always playing many positions and contributing greatly in hitting.
As for Yamamoto pitcher, who joined the team in the same year, he says, “I remember taking a lot Hit by Pitch of hitting practice (from Yamamoto pitcher) in a real game format. …… I was worried about what kind of pitcher I was going to become (laughs),” he said, reminiscing about those days. “Eight years have passed since then, and now I am a wonderful pitcher. I think I grew up through a lot of hard work and practice, and here I am now.
Martinez during practice ©PLMSpreading the greatness of Japanese baseball to our home country and Latin America
After hitting the winning run in the 11th extra inning a game against Chiba Lotte on July 8th, Martinez was known for caring deeply about his family, teammates, and those around him. During his hero interview, he sent a loving message to his wife, whose birthday it was that day. During the interview, he also mentioned that after his hero interview, the team’s cheering squad played a birthday song for Martinez’s wife. “My wife was so happy when she saw the footage and news of them congratulating her with trumpets,” he said. While his loving family is always there to support him, it seems his many friends in his home country of Cuba and throughout Latin America are also keeping an eye on him.
“A lot of my friends are always asking me, ‘Where can I watch it? Where can I watch it?'”
When I told him that Pacific League games can now be viewed in Latin America, he looked very happy and said, “I want to tell them!” He continued, “baseball is an important part of people’s lives in Latin America, too, so I think it’s wonderful (that Pacific League games are being streamed in Latin America). Japanese baseball has a lot of great plays, like stolen base bases and bunting, so I would encourage young players in particular to watch it.” He expressed his hope that the greatness of Japanese baseball would spread to Latin America as well.
Finally, when asked about his enthusiasm for the second half of the season, he proudly replied, “The team’s goal is to win. This year’s team is very complete, and I think we’ve been doing well so far,” and stated forcefully that “having confidence is the most important thing” to win the league.
Interview: Shintaro Takebayashi
Text by Hatano Ai
AloJapan.com