Miguel Ojeda admits he feared playing catcher

Miguel Ojeda, a prominent figure in Mexican baseball, revealed that his initial fear of playing catcher almost prevented him from pursuing a career in the sport. Ojeda, who debuted with the Diablos Rojos del México in 1995, confessed that catcher was not his preferred position as a child due to fear.

"As a child, that was the position I didn't even play, catcher, and because of fear," Ojeda stated. "It was only when I arrived at Diablos Rojos that I saw I had more possibilities to grow as a player."

He explained that the abundance of elite outfielders on the Diablos Rojos roster, including players like Daniel Fernández, Roberto Méndez, and Bernardo Tatis, pushed him towards the catcher position. With a scarcity of catchers on the team, Ojeda saw an opportunity for growth. He dedicated himself to mastering the role, working diligently to overcome his initial apprehension.

"Being an outfielder for Diablos, we had Daniel Fernández, Roberto Méndez, Bernardo Tatis, many elite players in that position, and there were hardly any catchers, so I decided to make that change," Ojeda recalled. "I think we were right, I had to work very hard too, but fortunately, the moment came when I came to dominate the position."

Ojeda's dedication paid off, leading to a distinguished career. He is set to have his number 35 retired by the Diablos Rojos, a testament to his loyalty and contribution to the team. This honor follows his recent induction into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact on the sport.