Eddy Alvarez made a homecoming appearance this month, visiting Smith’s Ballpark as a Salt Lake Community College alumnus and Olympic silver medalist for Kearns-based US Speedskating.
That was nothing like his anticipated hometown debut in Major League Baseball. Imagine the current New Orleans Baby Cakes infielder playing for the Miami Marlins as a Cuban American in the city where he grew up, and the story becomes mildly overwhelming.
Playing in Miami naturally was Alvarez’s first thought when the Chicago White Sox traded him to the Marlins organization in March. Yet he tries to keep from dwelling on that possibility.