DENVER (AP) — Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta from the Brewers spent 30 minutes on Wednesday out on the grass at Coors Field having a conversation with a Colorado Rockies relief pitcher.
It's the same relief pitcher who had coffee with him earlier in the day and shared a meal with the previous evening.
Just an opportunity to reconnect with his little bro, Luis.
The siblings hailing from the Dominican Republic are making the most of their chances to converse during a three-game set in Denver. Even though they speak daily online, nothing beats meeting in person. Despite Mom and Dad not being able to join them in Denver, the clan is looking forward to getting together when Colorado faces off against Milwaukee in late June.
We have an extremely tight-knit family," stated Freddy Peralta, aged 28, after witnessing his sibling concede one unearned run during 1 2/3 innings on Wednesday evening. "Being able to share this experience with my brother means a great deal to me. Every moment is precious since none of us can predict how long our time together in the major leagues will last. It feels like a cherished dream finally becoming reality for both of us.
After Freddy pitched impressively for five consecutive innings and conceded only one run to secure his initial victory of the year on Tuesday evening, the siblings had much to talk about. They initially considered dining out at someplace central. However, Luis extended an invitation to join him at home where he would prepare traditional Venezuelan-style arepas filled with various ingredients.
"They were really great," Freddy stated.
The same goes for the company, which is why they had a meeting over coffee prior to Wednesday’s game.
Freddy lights up whenever he talks about his 24-year-old brother. This is the same boy who would tag along behind Freddy to the baseball diamond and the one whom Freddy would hit ground balls at with full force, testing his abilities. A young man who holds great significance for him.
“He wants to be kind of like me — a hard worker, and wanting to learn,” Freddy said. “He’s always asking people around him, players around him, how to get better. That’s very impressive, especially at his age, a young guy, asking for help. He’s such a competitor.”
For that, Luis knows where to give credit.
(Freddy) always looked after me, took me to the fields, and taught me discipline during the game," Luis said via a translator. "I learned this from my brother.
Freddy embarked on his baseball journey by signing as an amateur free agent with Seattle in 2013. On December 9, 2015, the Mariners exchanged him together with two additional pitchers for Adam Lind. Currently, Freddy is in his eighth season with the Brewers, accumulating a record of 54 wins against 37 losses and maintaining an ERA of 3.75.
Every season upon returning home, Freddy would bring Luis along to workout sessions and practice games. At about age 15, Luis started concentrating more on pitching, having been an outfielder previously.
"It was the correct choice," Freddy stated about the change with a chuckle.
In 2017, Luis was brought onto the Pittsburgh Pirates team before being exchanged to the Rockies in July of last year. Since then, he has maintained a record of 1-1 with an impressive earned run average (ERA) of 2.16 across 20 relief outings. Additionally, he often sought guidance from his sibling, particularly during his first season as a rookie.
He’s a good person, but I ensured he knew how to act nicely. When veterans request something from you, simply comply with their wishes,” Freddy shared. “I advised him, 'Always be your genuine self when you step onto the field... remain kind and stay humble.’ That’s who he is. I merely reinforce this for his own benefit. I feel incredibly proud of him.
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