Valdez: “I am committed to setting an example for the youngest ones”

GUERRA, Santo Domingo Este (Licey.com).- César Valdez knows that he has less time on the playing field than he has spent on it. But that doesn’t stop him from continuing to serve as an example to the generations that have followed him in the ranks of the Tigres del Licey.

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“I think it’s something important, we as veterans, who are leaving, to always be there from day one as it inspires the young guys to be here early as well. And the advice given to them is to keep working hard, working strong and never give up,” he said when asked about it during the training camp of the 24-time champions of the Dominican Baseball League. He highlighted the presence of a combination of veterans and a lot of young talent that is going to be the future of the Tigres del Licey. “Last year I arrived a little overweight. In recent years I have been a little overweight and I already felt it in my back, my rest, my fatigue. And I decided to try to get more in shape. Since the middle of the Mexico season I started my diet and we are at a favorable weight,” he added. He gave all the credit to his wife who has always urged him to eat healthy. “I went to Mexico with 246 pounds, which was the weight I had here last season, I reacted and told myself that I couldn’t be like that. In Mexico it was a season in which I struggled a lot in the first half. Already after that, coming the changes, the healthy food, my worked physique. I finished very well and I think I have to stay like that to get good results,” added the right-handed pitcher. He thanked the organization of the Yucatan Lions for opening their doors to him when he was returning from an injury and highlighted that he has a very good relationship with the owners. “We have a very good core, the harmony. I always try to bring out the best in me every time I go out on the field and give myself one hundred percent,” said Valdez, one of the most decorated pitchers in Lidom history. He showed satisfaction with the achievements he has made in his career, despite not making much of an impact in the Major Leagues, but that in the Dominican League and wherever he has gone to play he has given one hundred percent, so his goal is to finish strong and always give his best. “I sincerely appreciate the support that the fans give us in both good and bad times. They are always there supporting us and that makes us feel very proud,” he added.