Omar Vizquel Sets Milestone

 

On Sunday afternoon in Miami Florida, baseball fans were given the opportunity to stand up and show their appreciation for a future first ballot hall of famer in Omar Vizquel. This Venezuelan native who has always been bashful when the subject turns to his accomplishments, passed Luis Aparicio for the all time major league lead in games played at shortstop. “I feel fortunate more then anything to have been able to stay healthy and have the talent to play for so long,” said San Francisco Giants Vizquel who set the record in game two of a double header against the Florida Marlins in playing his 2,584^th game. “It’s a historic moment,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said about this 20 -year veteran who ranks second among shortstops with 11 gold gloves. (Ozzie Smith is first with 13). “He’s excited and we are too. I’m proud of Omar and I’m proud to say I’m here for” (the record).

Showing incredible respect, Vizquel’s teammates stayed in the dugout during the bottom of the sixth so that he can take his infield position and have the spotlight to himself for a few minutes, so the fans could give him a standing ovation before finally being joined on the field by his teammates. “I felt very emotional out there,” said Vizquel. “My teammates didn’t want to come out, and I didn’t know what was going on.” “I was very happy when they finally did.”

When his teammates did run out on the field to congratulate the 41 year-old legend, fellow Venezuelan native Jose Castillo was first to congratulate Vizquel by giving him a congratulatory hug. “He deserves it,” Castillo said. “He’s a companion who is always there if you need him.” “I know he will be in the Hall Of fame one day.”

Over the years, this defensive wizard has been involved in turning an all time high of 1,658 double plays while posting an impressive 984 fielding percentage. “I just thank god he was able to keep me healthy enough to (set the record),” said Vizquel who hasn’t thought about how long he wants to keep playing.

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