Hispanic Heritage Month: Anthony Martinez

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Anteaters first baseman Anthony Martinez let us into his world a little and how his Hispanic heritage and culture impacts his life on and off the field, and how he honors that in special ways while wearing the Anteater uniform

What traditions or aspects of your culture have you experienced growing up or were part of your upbringing?

The traditions are mainly around Christmas and the holidays. The food (tamales, panes con pavo, pupusas), celebration (gift exchanges among the kids, dancing and music, dressing up), waiting until midnight on Christmas Eve for gift exchange. Although this is difficult due to the different family celebrations. Saying prayer for Thanksgiving dinner and being grateful for what we have. Due to my paternal grandparents being from different countries, I look forward to learning more about the traditions in each country. There are different ways to celebrate independence, Christmas, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, that I would like to learn and see if I can bring to my family.

Are there ways you honor your heritage or background on or off the field or in the way you play?

I honor through my Latin walk-up song. Religion is a BIG deal in Latin American culture. I pray and when I hit a homerun, the sign of the cross is something I bless myself with. Whenever I cross home plate after a homerun you can always see me do the sign of the cross and point up to the sky. Not only thanking God, but my ancestors that have come before me.

What does your heritage or culture mean to you?

It is a way to honor my ancestors. I would not be here if it were not for them. My paternal grandparents immigrated to this country with the idea to give their family a better life. Because of this, I am honored to play and make them proud. Their background and culture run through my veins and I want to honor the sacrifices they made by self-improvement.