Yunel Aaron Escobar

Yunel Aaron Escobar is currently the shortstop of the Major Leagues and plays with the Toronto Blue Jays, previously he was an infielder for the Atlanta Braves.

Having shown natural talent and being a sports prospect in baseball since childhood, Yunel's dream was always to play in the Major Leagues. Unfortunately this path in the United States proved very difficult for him. Although Yunel was a successful athlete in Cuba, where he played for the Industriales team.

As soon as he arrived in the United States he began training immediately and his efforts paid off in 2005 when, at 22 years old, the Atlanta Braves selected him in the second round, among 75. "We saw him as a talent," said Roy Clark, director of scouting for the Atlanta Braves.

Yunel did not take long to prove to the Braves that their decision to give him an opportunity was correct. In his brief stint in the minor league system, Yunel batted .333 with a .379 OBP and .456 SLG, all in 46 games in the Triple A International League. It was clear from his play and positive attitude that Yunel had much to offer and he was quickly called up to the Atlanta Braves team.

In his first game with the Braves on June 2, 2007 vs Chicago Cubs, Yunel got his first major league hit and finished the game 2 for 4 with a double, a run and an RBI. Yunel's potential to have a major impact on the team was demonstrated and eventually the Braves decided to trade Edgar Renteria, their starting shortstop to allow Yunel to be the team's opening shortstop. Braves manager Bobby Cox said "we would have never traded Rentería if we didn't have someone to replace him like Escobar. He is a player with the caliber of a great star."

Although his path to the Major Leagues was difficult, Yunel has proven to be a talent to be reckoned with. His love for the game continues to grow and he feels privileged to have the opportunity to play in the best baseball leagues in the world where he continues trying to do a good job every day.