Miguel Ojeda honored as Diablos Rojos retire his number 35

The Diablos Rojos baseball team is set to honor former catcher and manager Miguel Ojeda by retiring his iconic number 35. The special 'Serie 35' weekend, dedicated to Ojeda, will feature the team playing against the Conspiradores de Querétaro, culminating in the jersey retirement ceremony.

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That they are retiring this number is the maximum honor that I could receive, a great pride, very important to be able to receive and be able to greet all the fans from those years and especially the new generation.

Ojeda, affectionately known as 'Negro de Guaymas,' described the honor as the "maximum honor" he could receive. He expressed deep pride in joining the ranks of legendary Diablos Rojos players whose numbers have already been retired, such as 'Zurdo' Ortiz and Daniel Fernández. The number 35 holds particular significance for Ojeda, as it was the number he chose upon returning from the United States and has since become synonymous with his career.

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The first number I wore was number 31, and when I returned from the United States, 31 was occupied by Tavo Álvarez, and number 35 was available, so I chose to wear it and I never separated from it. I have a lot of respect for it, which I tried to enhance along with myself, and it has been a great companion.

Reflecting on his most memorable moments with the team, Ojeda highlighted a game on May 19, 2000, where he achieved a remarkable feat by hitting four home runs. He noted that this accomplishment marked a turning point in his career and made him the first Mexican player in baseball history to achieve such a distinction.

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There are moments that one treasures and remembers with great affection, but there was one in particular that marked a before and after in Miguel Ojeda's career, and it was definitely the one with the four home runs; he was the first Mexican in baseball history to do it, and from there the story of 'Negro de Guaymas' was different.

The official retirement ceremony for number 35 will occur on Sunday, May 31, during the third game of the series against Querétaro. Prior to the second game, Ojeda will also participate in an autograph signing session at the Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú, offering fans a chance to connect with the beloved former player. Ojeda also shared the origin of his nickname, 'Negro de Guaymas,' explaining it was given to him by friends and later popularized by a radio announcer.

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My friends from the neighborhood called me 'Negro' or 'Chocolate,' those were the nicknames they gave me; they wanted to make me angry, but it never bothered me.