Young Cuban raises praise with his terrifying hits and makes any terrain look small

Ricardo Sosa recommended the interview with a gesture: “That one you see there, talk to him now, because he’s going to be an animal.” Animal, of course, is a way of expressing in baseball that a prospect has such great potential that from an early age he draws everyone’s attention.

That is what is happening with Yodelkis Quevedo, a Cuban boy barely 14 years old who, according to the Perfect Game rankings, is today considered the best third baseman in the country in his generation and the 23rd-ranked prospect among all Cuban players. your age.

As one talent evaluator would say, “he makes every field look smaller,” because he hits the ball so hard and accurately that his home runs are almost an urban legend.

At just over six feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Quevedo hit .437 last summer and filled all batting stats with outstanding marks. He still has a long way to go, but this young man from Hialeah, if he doesn’t stray from the right path, he may well be a star. If Professor Sosa, an offensive guru, says so…

Where are you now in your career?

“I’m practicing a lot, getting ready for the upcoming tournaments, where you have to show your power. I’m working with a group of players from a team of prospects in San Diego.”

What does it mean that at such a young age the scouts are already talking about you?

“A lot. To get to that I have had the support of my family, in addition to the work I have done here with Sosa, that has helped me a lot.”

Is that power you have something you worked on or something natural?

“It’s something I worked hard on. My dad and I got up to practice every day. Since he came home we practiced. Here at Sosa’s academy I have gotten even smarter. Practice hasn’t been everything.”

Do you remember when you first went to a pitch?

“Yes, I remember. He was very young and he didn’t know how to play, but it was a first step. About 10 years old I saw that he had a lot of power. The coaches saw me and that’s when I started practicing seriously.”

Now do you also realize that you stand out from the rest of the guys?

“No I am not better than anyone but I have my talent. I think I can make it to the big leagues when I’m like 19 years old, 18 more.”

Do you have any special equipment?

“Yes, the Parents. By Fernando Tatis. He is my favorite player because of the way he is on the pitch. He is very aggressive. He always smiling, with a good attitude.”

Do you spend more time studying, more time playing?

“I practice in the morning and then when I get home I start studying. That’s my life like this every day. I would like to sign from High School”.

Here at the Sosa academy you practice with many big leagues.

“They tell me not to stop working, to be humble, to always follow my dreams. Being by their side motivates me and makes me a better person.”

This story was originally published on February 22, 2022 8:29 a.m.