You may not know it, but the Tigers currently have one of the biggest stars in Latin American baseball.
No I’m not talking about Miguel Cabrera (who is a huge Latin star but that’s not who I’m talking about). It’s not Jhonny Peralta, Jose Valverde or Victor Martinez.
The player I’m talking about who is now known affectionately as “El Gringo” is none other than Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks.
During the MLB offseason, Dirks has been participating in the Dominican Winter League where like many players who are looking for more playing time go and refine their skills in preparation for the upcoming MLB season.
In an article though written by Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown, Dirks’ popularity has reached new heights in the Dominican Republic that many American born players never really see.
As American sightings this late in the winter season and into the Caribbean Series grow rare, it is with some distinction that Andy Dirks – translated from “Ondy-der,” and generally sung over the tops of bottles of Presidente beer from the street cafes as he passes – is, affectionately, “El Gringo.”
The greater feat is to become Gringo Star.
“Andy Dirks could run for president right now,” said Gary Ruby, pitching coach for Leones del Escogido, the Dominican team for which Dirks plays.
Though why he’d take a demotion is beyond me.
Dirks’ popularity rose throughout his time in the Dominican League thanks to the way he’s adapted to the Latin style of play. This style includes snatching at a lazy fly ball with his glove, shyly pimping a big hit, grinning at all the clamor in the stands. But more importantly instead of entering the league looking to impress their Major League general managers, Dirks went to the Dominican to actually play the game of baseball. And the players and fans down there certainly appreciate that.
Dirks was also responsible for the winning hits in Game 9 of the Caribbean Series game against Venezuela.
According to Brown, Dirks batted .315 for Toros del Este during the regular season, was the first pick of the import draft by Escogido come playoff time (the Toros did not make the playoffs, meaning their players were redistributed by draft to qualifying teams).
Hopefully this type of success for Dirks carries over to his Major League career.
Ref: Yahoo! Sports
