Angel Cantu

Houston

Contributor at Our Esquina

| TAMU ‘20 | TFA Alum | Co-host at @FullSeamAhead | Contributing Writer for @OurEsquina 🇲🇽🇲🇽

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Articles

Phillies rookie Alan Rangel carries mother’s blessing

3 days ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – Alan Rangel walked to the mesh net that separates the field and the stands at Estadio Fernando Valenzuela in his hometown of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. His mother Dinora Garcia was waiting to give him a blessing, as had become tradition since he began playing winter ball in 2019 for his hometown Naranjeros. Rangel stood in front of his mother. The Phillies’ reliever closed his eyes while Garcia made the Sign of the Cross with her right hand and gently swayed her right arm.
Quinton McCracken manages in MLB Draft League

4 days ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

Quinton McCracken has longed to become a major league manager. He spent 12 years in the majors with six different franchises. He’s had a second career as a front office executive. Now the Wilmington, N.C., native is back managing the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the MLB Draft League for the second year in a row.
Jaime Jarrin stands with Latino immigrants

1 week ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, the longtime Spanish voice of the Dodgers, has used his platform to support immigrants. At a time when ICE agents are terrorizing many parts of Los Angeles, Jarrin even encouraged immigrants and their supports to stay strong and let their voices be heard. “As an immigrant who came to this country 70 years ago, I know firsthand the hope, courage, and determination it takes to build a new life in a new land,” Jarrin posted on Instagram.
J.J. Spaun caps U.S. Open title with 64-foot putt

1 week ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

Before taking on the harsh conditions at Oakmont Country Club for the final round of the 125th U.S. Open, J.J Spaun was at CVS getting medicine for his daughter early Sunday morning. His youngest daughter, Violet, faced a stomach virus that kept Spaun and his wife up through the night. Sleep deprived in one of the hardest courses on the PGA Tour could have been a recipe for disaster in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Astros' Daikin Park a sanctuary for diversity

2 weeks ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – Astros fans express appreciation to their countries and those of their favorite baseball players often around Daikin Park. On any given day, you may see flags from Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Cuba raised and waved proudly. Fans also wear shirts that represent their country. They also aren’t afraid to grab the Astros’ or opposing players’ attention in their native tongue. I’ve seen patrons sport Astros-orange luchador masks and sombreros.
Jonathan Aranda benefits from playing time

3 weeks ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – Since Jonathan Aranda was a child playing baseball in Mexico, his parents, Humberto and Jessica, were always there to take him to his games. All the mileage added to their vehicle from all his practices and games paid off when Aranda signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2015. Having his parents there when he signed was his second best moment in his career. His major league debut is atop his list of Top 3 moments in baseball so far.
A’s reliever Anthony Maldonado learned from big moments

3 weeks ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – Before A’s reliever Anthony Maldonado toed the rubber for the first time in the majors for the Marlins last season, he had already experienced pitching in big moments. As a freshman he was Bethune-Cookman University’s ace in the NCAA Tournament. The Wellington, Fla., native has also pitched in the World Baseball Classic. Maldonado, who was optioned to Class AAA Las Vegas on Saturday, was part of Puerto Rico’s roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Isaac Paredes reunites with Mexican youth national team coach

1 month ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes chatted with a familiar face on the field at Daikin Park on Tuesday afternoon. He was later joined by teammate Cesar Salazar and the Athletics’ Luis Urias. Salazar, Urias and Paredes were pleased to see professor Alvaro Valenzuela. The quartet spent the entire time smiling and reminiscing about Sonora; Mexico, their home state.
Royals righty Seth Lugo thrives with deep arsenal

1 month ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – What started as a dabbling around with different baseball grips has turned the Royals’ Seth Lugo into a distinguished pitcher with one of the deepest arsenals in the majors. According to Statcast, Lugo has thrown 10 different types of pitches between 71.1 mph to 92 mph. However, the Shreveport, La., native is adamant he’s thrown more than the 10 that major league baseball has listed. As a member of the Padres in 2023, Lugo sought to throw a more efficient slider.
Isaac Paredes fulfills promise to abuela

1 month ago | ouresquina.com | Angel Cantu

HOUSTON – Astros slugger Isaac Paredes was 8 years old when he first started walking with his grandmother Gloria to his first baseball practice. Gloria and the future All-Star would trek almost two miles through the Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, streets to reach their local ballpark. Paredes, who was raised by his grandmother, considers his grandmother as his mother. She’s the one he thinks of the most on May 10, which is Mother’s Day in Mexico and several North American countries.