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The Peruvian baseball team has the list of the 24 athletes who will participate in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games representing their country with the goal of winning a historic medal in the largest multi-sport event in the continent, to be held for the first time in Peru.
Jesús Vargas, a baseball player who was born in Venezuela where he lived with his Peruvian mother, stands out in this group of athletes. Two years ago, his family decided to come to Peru, where he adopted his mother’s nationality. Because of this, he is part of the Peruvian team that aims to make history at Lima 2019, against the best players in the continent.
“I started to play baseball when I was five years old. I’ve been living here for some time and that’s why I was able to represent Peru. I’m happy to be a part of the national team,” said the Peruvian team’s pitcher.
“Our level has increased a bit and we have gained experience, both locally and internationally. There are great players in Peru and I’m sure we will do well at the Pan American Games,” added Vargas.
New home, new winds
The Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center is baseball’s new home. The Peruvian team has already started training before they compete at Lima 2019.
"It’s beneficial because we’ve been getting to know the field and that gives us an advantage. I want to make it to the podium and take Peru to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” highlighted Vargas. They will have to try and qualify at the coming international tournaments, after the Games.
At Lima 2019, Peru is in Group A alongside the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. Peruvian national team member Gianpierre Reaño, who also pitches, points out that they are experienced teams. “It’s a pretty tough group, but it doesn’t intimidate us. We’re nine against nine; we know we have to bat, pitch and defend,” he stated.
“On paper, they may be leading in the ranking, but games are won on the field. Ever since we got the Pan American Games in our heads, we’ve been acting extremely professional,” says Reaño.
The Peruvian national team has been working double shifts; in the morning they go to the gym and in the afternoon and evening, they practice on the field.
“The training sessions are tough and that’s helped us a lot because we also had to play against Venezuelan and foreign teams that live in Peru,” said Reaño.
Finally, the Peruvian baseball player said he hopes to fulfill a long-time dream: “one of my childhood dreams was to represent Peru in a stadium, and that’s what we’re hoping for. A red and white stand packed with Peruvian fans who will definitely be with us in Villa María del Triunfo,” he emphasized.
