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It may be hard to remember that Ronald Acuña Jr., the slugging sensation of the Atlanta Braves and a pioneer in winning the National League's Rookie of the Year trophy, was not even ranked among the top prospects of the team a few years ago.
A Venezuelan native of a crazy baseball family, he signed a $ 100,000 bonus, which is far less than the best international prospects have received. He was 16 years old, was raw, weighed 5 feet 10 inches and weighed 160 pounds.
But a year later, in 2015, his best traits – his fast bat and knocking ability – were different from the Braves coaches who watched him in a league in the off-season.
"We watched three days of games after our morning meetings," said Kevin Seitzer, the striking coach of the Atlanta Braves. "And his critics, his recognition of pitch, his typing with two strikes – it was one of those things where you go:" Oh my God. . Sensational & # 39; "
Since his debut in the majors on April 25, left field player Acuña has been one of the most ferocious batters in baseball and has upset an often tired match with his juvenile exuberance. He tore up enemy pitchers as an experienced hitter and helped propel the rebuilt Braves to their first Eastern National League title since 2013. They will start a N.L. Division playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday night.
In 111 games this season, Acuña has beaten .293, with 16 bases stolen and .917 on the base plus slugging percentage, closely followed by defenseman Juan Soto, 19, of the Washington Nationals, his most close rival for the price of the rookie of the year. He is one of five players in history to hit at least 26 homers before turning 21. In August, he became the youngest player to score a home run in five consecutive games.
During this race, he was at the center of one of the biggest controversies of the season, about the unwritten rules of baseball. Having scored a first goal at home in three previous games, he came into play in the first round against Jose Ureña of the Miami Marlins. In what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to slow him down, Ureña hit Acuña's elbow with a fastball, forcing him to leave the game, empty the two benches and get a six-game suspension.
Acuña, 20, continued to hit and may have had the last word. He is shown celebrating a home run against the Marlins in a new M.L.B. A TV commercial entitled "Let the kids play" that repels the perceived heaviness of the game.
Acuña said that he was just himself, with his game and his personality.
"I've always dreamed of reaching the big leagues and having a good season, and thank God for that to happen," said Acuña in a brief interview in Spanish. "I always expected that from myself."
The baseball passion in Venezuela is deep and Acuña has grown around baseball players. His father, Ronald Sr., 39, played eight years in the minor leagues, most with the Mets, and four years in Venezuela. Because her father had her very young, Acuña grew up watching her father play in the United States and Venezuela.
The baseball lineage does not stop there. Acuña's younger brother, Luisangel, 16, signed for $ 425,000 with the Texas Rangers in July. Their uncle José Escobar briefly played in the major leagues for the Cleveland Indians in 1991. Several cousins, including pitcher Kelvim Escobar of the Toronto Blue Jays and Alcides Escobar of the Kansas City Royals, also played in the major leagues.
"Child, I've always played baseball," Acuña said. "But growing up, I realized that I could be a baseball player like them."
Playing against older competitions, Acuña exploded in the minor leagues with the Braves. He took muscle and height; he is now 6 feet. Once unrated, he was considered the # 1 prospect in all minor leagues before this season.
"At 20, I was still in college," said Braves receiver Kurt Suzuki. "It's really amazing what he's doing now. Passion, energy, talent are undeniable. "
Acuña really took off after the break of the stars. At that time, he scored .249 with seven home runs, but also flaws in his momentum that had not been exposed against less talented players in the minor leagues. Seitzer suggested small changes in the position of Acuña's hands and reminded him to relax.
Acuña incorporated the changes. During the second half of the season, the Braves, who were already among the best offensives in the NL, moved him to first place. The Braves quickly regained control of the division. Acuña broke 19 home runs and posted a score of 1.028 O.P.S. in the second half.
"Ronald is a special player," said Ender Inciarte, central defender of the Braves and Venezuelan compatriot. "He is very different. At 20, I can probably count on one hand the players who can do what he does. "
"What has impressed me most about Ronald is his ability to learn," he added. "He showed that he could mature and learn with the league, and he made the necessary adjustments quickly."
Acuña made the difference not only with its productivity. After three short appearances in the playoffs from 2010 to 2013, the Braves reorganized their alignment by acquiring young talent through trades and the international market. But because of several signature offenses, the then CEO, John Coppolella, lost his job and was expelled by Major League Baseball last year. The Braves lost 13 hopes and received other penalties.
Nevertheless, these young players, including second baseman Ozzie Albies, 21, running pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, 26, third baseman Johan Camargo, 24, and Acuña – combined with veteran piers – have boosted the brave. During the games, Acuña is often seen laughing or joking with her close friend Albies, among others.
"They help me, this old man," said Brian Snitker, director of The Braves. "Their energy and their emotions, as well as their way of playing, are contagious for all of us. That's a lot for everyone in the club. "
Given that Acuña was Albies' teammate in the minor leagues, the two men had often talked about reaching the majors together and doing exactly what was happening now. Albies said he admired Acuña's confidence at such a young age.
"We've always dreamed of having a good season, staying healthy, reaching the playoffs and reaching the World Series, because that's what everyone wants," said Acuña. "Fortunately, that's what we do."
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