Sports Reporter
Tijuana, Mexico, with an estimated population of 1.6 million and located just a few minutes south of the U.S. border, is feared by most Americans for its violent and dangerous reputation. While tourists may hold their breath and close their eyes when having to drive through the border town, they miss the finer parts of the city that CMU first baseman Sergio Valenzuela calls home.
“It’s not as bad as people think,” said Valenzuela, a junior at CMU. “It has its bad parts just like everywhere in the U.S. does, but there are some really nice areas that people never get a chance to see.”
Valenzuela was born and raised in Tijuana, and that is where most of his family still lives. He attended a bilingual school until high school, and that’s when he had to make his first tough decision.
“I had the opportunity to go to a high school in the states,” Valenzuela said. “The only problem was none of my family had residency, so I would have to drive across the border every day, which takes at least two hours just to get through.”
Valenzuela decided the drive was worth it and attended Mater Dei High School in Chula Vista, California.
“I knew it was the best opportunity,” Valenzuela said. “The best part was I would be able to play baseball and would have a better chance at getting noticed.”
Valenzuela grew up playing baseball and noted how it is basically a tradition in Mexico.
“For a lot of kids it’s a way out,” Valenzuela said. “I have always loved playing ever since I was little.”
Valenzuela continued to make the commute to go to school and play baseball, even though it meant having to get up at 5 a.m. every day.
“There was a lot of times I questioned it,” Valenzuela said. “Having to wake up that early every day, go to school, then play baseball, it got pretty tiring.”
Valenzuela pushed through and excelled in the high school ranks. When he was 18 he got a chance to play with the 18-and-under Mexican National Team and traveled all throughout South America playing the sport he loved.
“That was one of the best experiences of my life,” Valenzuela said. “Being able to represent my country and play baseball and travel…it was just amazing.”
Valenzuela began working with a recruiter to help get his name to colleges to continue his career. CMU coach Chris Hanks showed great interest and wanted him to come out right away to attend a scouting camp at CMU.
“I had never really been outside of Mexico or California,” Valenzuela said. “I was very nervous. My dad supported me going out there. He has always had my back 100 percent, but my mom didn’t really understand. She kept asking me why I don’t just play here in Mexico since it’s just the same sport,” Valenzuela said. “It worked out perfectly though. As soon as I got out to Colorado I knew this is where I wanted to play.”
Valenzuela signed with CMU and began his career as a Maverick soon after.
“Adjusting here was a bit difficult,” Valenzuela said. “I understood English perfectly, but since I wasn’t really good at speaking it yet, I was really shy and quiet. I didn’t know anyone at all out here. It made it hard, but after playing with the team and knowing the guys, I love it now.”
Valenzuela, like many collegiate baseball players, has aspirations of making it to the big leagues. However, he knows how difficult it is to make it to that level.
“I just take it one day at a time,” Valenzuela said. “I just come out and work hard every day and every practice. I love it here, and I know CMU and the coaches have made me a better player, and I can continue to get better. The major leagues will always be in my mind though.”
The Mavericks (34-9, 28-6) are currently ranked first in the region with just one final series remaining against School of Mines before postseason play. Valenzuela believes that this year’s team has a chance to really make a statement this season.
“I get chills just thinking about it,” Valenzuela said. “Not only can we win another RMAC championship, but we can compete for a National Championship. That is something that we all have in our sights.”
Valenzuela has put together an incredible season thus far. While starting in centerfield, Valenzuela also serves as the lead-off batter for the Mavericks, a position that is highly regarded as far as baseball batting orders go.
“I love it because it shows that coach Hanks has faith and confidence in me,” Valenzuela, who is batting .373 on the year with an on-base percentage of .453, said. “I know how important it is for me to do well, and I love being able to get things started for the team.”
The Mavs finished up their last regular season home series two weekends ago versus Colorado Christian. While most of the players had all their family and friends there, Valenzuela had his biggest fan in attendance. His girlfriend, who had flown in from Chihuahua, Mexico, was in the stands, holding a big white sign with the number 24 painted all over it. She awaited Valenzuela as he ran over after the game with a huge smile and embrace.
“We planned this forever ago,” Valenzuela said. “I was so happy she was able to come out and watch me play. It was amazing.”
The Mavericks have one final regular season series against School of Mines next weekend.
ksparkhu@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
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