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I watched him crawl; I saw him take his first steps. Thus, I followed him with his first pet, ball, and bat, his first gear, his first uniform, and his first chest protector; later, I filmed him at the EIDE in Santa Clara until he reached the SNB. Like father, like son, and my interviewee today is the son of many's pick for the best Cuban catcher of all time, Ariel Pestano. So, here comes Arielito Pestano Jr..
What is the current situation of Pestano Jr., where is he, what is he doing?
First of all, thank you for such heartfelt words. Very true. My dad and you always got along well, and for us, you are family. I am in Miami pursuing every baseball player's dream, to reach the Major Leagues. For that, I have already done two tryouts or showcases, where the scouts from the MLB teams watch me. I am waiting.
If I don't succeed this time, I won't give up. My representative has contacts in Asian baseball, where the game is played and you can earn well, whether in Japan, South Korea, or Chinese Taipei.
As you know, I left Cuba on June 3, 2024, and, like many Cubans, I traveled through Nicaragua, crossing borders until I reached Mexico City. I entered the United States through Nuevo Laredo, with the CBP One appointment.
If I am not accepted into any MLB team, I have to wait a year and a day to obtain my residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act.
Where do you live, and who do you train with?
I live with my uncles, who have helped me unconditionally. I just turned 27 years old. Since I arrived, I have focused on getting into shape as quickly as possible, because I had been inactive for months in Mexico. I started working, and together with my lawyer Gladys Alonso, we began to explore options.
I told him that I wanted to work with Yunieski Gourriel, and Yuni welcomed me. I am working hard with him, making as many adjustments as possible in the swing, everything related to hitting, which is crucial in this baseball.
In addition, I am working with Leonys Martín's father, Oscar Martín, a fantastic hitting coach as well; while on the physical aspect, I am at Kendal's gym, which belongs to Erik Manoah (Manoah Made), brother of pitcher Alek Manoah, starter for the Toronto Blue Jays. I work very hard and I am trying to improve every day.
Do you see yourself with a real chance of playing in the Big Leagues?
I've thought it over, and yes, I hope that MLB gives me a chance. I have plans: to go independent, let them see me play, and everything is in God's hands. If a signing with the majors doesn't happen, well, as I told you, I'm open to all opportunities, wherever they may be, once I get my residency.
What can you tell me about Del Arielito Jr. from Cuba?
I played seven National Series and two Elite Leagues. I debuted with my team Villa Clara and stayed there for two National Series; then I played two more with Granma, with which I became a champion. I returned to Villa Clara and played two more elite seasons with the Matanzas selection and another with Santiago de Cuba, a team with which, by the way, I had a great experience. I send greetings to my people in Santiago.
That little boy I used to see playing four corners in the neighborhood, the one who became a baseball player at the EIDE, to the mature and very attractive young man he is today, how much has he changed?
There has truly been a tremendous change. Since that young boy in the EIDE until the current Pestano, years have passed and one matures. Thanks to the hard work I've put in and the focus I've maintained in every situation, I have been improving, growing little by little, and primarily I've changed physically. I have gained strength, and so far that has been effective for me, as I've increased my batting power and I am ambidextrous, which is essential in this kind of professional baseball.
What has it meant to be the son of Ariel Pestano? Has it been a burden or has it motivated you?
What can I say? Being the son of Ariel Pestano is an immense pride. I won’t deny that at the beginning of my career it was a heavy burden, because it is no secret that it sets a very high standard.
But as time has passed and I have gained maturity, I have realized that it is difficult, very difficult, because people go to a venue wanting to see Ariel Pestano Valdés and not Ariel Pestano Jr.
Comparison will always exist, but as an athlete, one cannot allow oneself to be influenced by it. I have learned to deal with that, and it has not been a difficulty at all. On the contrary, it has been the greatest privilege, the greatest pride I have ever felt in my life.
My father is the example of my entire life. He is, he has been, and he always will be. Of course, I simply try to be myself and compete each day with myself; to run my own race and become better every day. I have no issues with that.
What have you learned from your father?
There is much to learn from my father. The first thing I learned from him is to be a good man, to be a family man, to be affectionate, to be a good son, and a good friend. In terms of sports, there is a lot one can learn from him because he has an experience and knowledge of the game and the field that I wouldn't know where to begin with—regarding the cleverness in the game, how to guide the pitchers, how to visualize the game in his mind, the thought process at home plate when batting, and always being involved in the play... There are so many details he knows! He has tried to pass this on to me over the years, and I have done my best to put it into practice.
Was it hard for you to leave Cuba, to leave your beautiful Santa Clara, and your precious family?
Julita, you practically saw me being born, you watched me grow up, you know the depth of my family; the love that exists among each family member.
Truly, for me it has been the hardest decision I have made in my life so far. It’s not just about my career, because baseball is a moment in our lives, but being away from my sister, away from my mom and dad is very difficult.
I had never been away from them for such a long time. My dad is feeling down because we were always together, training together, and it's been challenging for both of us. But God willing, it's for a good purpose, for a better future for me and my family.
Arielito, although much has been said and continues to be said on the subject, I have to ask you: why do all those who can leave Cuban baseball?
It’s true, the question is common, and the fact is that the situation of baseball in Cuba is dire and everyone who can leave, does. My humble opinion is that, unfortunately, because it is indeed unfortunate, what is happening in our country is unbearable.
There is no human way to support a family and get ahead with the salary of a baseball player in Cuba. There are no life options, there are no conditions for an athlete, but there is no way for a baseball player to excel in a National Series.
There’s no way to get by on 3500 CUP a month; it’s impossible. That’s why people turn to other options. That’s how I see it, and it’s true for me as well.
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