While the Toronto Blue Jays forced the World Series to return home for at least one more game, heading back to Canada takes Alejandro Kirk further away from his Tijuana, Mexico, roots.
Kirk has put together an impressive postseason showing and it’s included coming up with key hits against the Dodgers. Including their visit in August, Kirk has twice played at Dodger Stadium this year.
It’s evoked memories of the opportunity he had to catch the first pitch from Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela at the 2022 MLB All-Star Game, which Kirk reflects on fondly, per Martín Gallegos of MLB.com:
“For me, it was something very beautiful to be able to catch that first pitch from him in Los Angeles as a fellow Mexican,” Kirk recalled. “I didn’t grow up a Dodgers fan, but I know about all the Mexican people who root for the Dodgers and how big Mexico is for the team. … It’s something I cherish a lot.”
A native-born Mexican, Toronto discovered Kirk at a showcase held by the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. Kirk signed a Minor League contract with the Blue Jays in 2016 as an international free agent. The total value of the deal was just $30,000, which included a meager $7,500 signing bonus.
Kirk made his MLB debut in 2020 and made his first All-Star team when it was played at Dodger Stadium in 2022.
Alejandro Kirk makes World Series history
Kirk has already cemented his place as a trailblazer among Mexican-born MLB players during the World Series. Kirk became the first first Mexican-born player to hit a home run in the World Series when he helped the Blue Jays cruise to a victory in Game 1.
He followed that with a three-run homer in Game 3 to give the Blue Jays an early lead, though it ultimately wasn’t enough as Freddie Freeman delivered another walk-off win for the Dodgers in the 18th inning.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
