Latino Brewers players proudly celebrate their culture this Hispanic Heritage Month
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — You hear it when they’re walking up to bat. Latino influence is prevalent in Major League Baseball — and right here at home at American Family Field.
Brewers players are proud to showcase their roots through music, language and culture.
Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and Brewers Latino players show us how they keep their culture alive far from their native lands.
At American Family Field, Latino culture is hard to miss.
From players speaking Spanish to Latin music playing throughout the stadium, these sounds help Latino players like Jackson Chourio feel at home.
Jackson Chourio, outfielder for the Brewers
“I was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela,” Chourio said.
“I have incredible parents who educated me the best way possible. In Maracaibo, people are very nice and very happy,” he said.
The 22-year-old outfielder sacrificed a lot to get to where he is today.
When asked what the hardest part about has been leaving his home country and coming to the United States, Chourio said leaving his family.
“Leaving my family and coming here alone to play was something new, but we got used to it, and thank God, we’re doing well,” he said.
Having support systems within the organization makes adapting much easier.
Néstor Corredor, coach of the Cerveceros and field coordinator
Nestor Corredor, a Brewers coach and Major League field coordinator, says he is there to support the players, regardless of his title.
“I don't need a title to help my guys,” Corredor said.
Translators also help bridge the language gap.
“I think the language is a little bit uncomfortable for some of them, but we find ways to understand and make it work,” Corredor said.
“At the end of the day, there are eight or nine Latino people in the group, and we need to be strong. We help each other with the language, and I think that's part of our job — to make Chourio, Uribe, Contreras and Lara very comfortable because their job is to go play. I think that's the value of being able to support each other,” he said.
A recent MLB survey showed roughly 30% of players are Latino, representing a vibrant mix of countries and cultures, yet united by their love of the game.
The Brewers currently have eight Latino players on their roster, representing Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Several of those players have also represented their home countries in the World Baseball Classic.
For Abner Uribe, baseball is part of Dominican culture from a young age.
“In the Dominican Republic, we try to play the sport however we can — with any type of ball, tape, even a sock. Because baseball is how we have fun. It’s what identifies us,” Uribe said.
Food is another way the players stay connected to their roots.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, Chourio says he enjoys foods from home, including patacones, tequeños and empanadas.
Uribe says he also enjoys Dominican food and cooking.
“There are places here that sell Dominican food, but I like to cook. I really like 'locrio de chuleta' and things like that,” Uribe said.
Music is another important part of their culture.
“I really like salsa, vallenato, reggaeton — everything, really,” Chourio said.
When asked about dembow, he added, “I don't listen to it much, but I like it because it’s happy.”
For these players, their shared culture creates connections that bring them together.
Earlier this summer, the Brewers hosted “Noche de Cerveceros,” highlighting Latino culture in Milwaukee.
The team has also supported its Venezuelan players following an earthquake in Venezuela. Players said thankfully none of their immediate family members were hurt, but the event brought them together through the Brewers’ Venezuelan relief efforts.