Alexi Amarista reported to the Bravos de Margarita preseason training camp in Porlamar on Thursday, marking the start of preparations for his 20th season in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) and his third wearing the island team's uniform after arriving from the Tigres de Aragua.
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The player from Anzoátegui has earned the label of leader within the team through his strong performances, and the team once again aspires to compete for top positions in the league, supported by the harmony within the squad. clubhouse“The league isn’t surprised by how good our team is; we’ve already proven it in recent years by consistently placing well,” “The Ninja” told the island’s press department. When he debuts in the 2026-27 season, Amarista will become the 40th player in the league’s history to reach 20 seasons played.
"I know God has great things in store for us; we shouldn't rush things, we need to have a good start to the season, maintain our faith and that desire for the championship we so long for. It's time to pursue that title that the island deserves."
In his first two seasons with the Braves, the Tronconal native has a .349 batting average in 71 games, with 102 hits in 292 at-bats, including 23 doubles, one triple, seven home runs, 56 RBIs, 47 runs scored, and a .386 OBP. slugging with a .507 batting average and an .893 OPS in 322 plate appearances. In the league's all-time records, he will begin the season 16 RBIs shy of 400 and 65 hits away from reaching 900.
Willing to help the youngest
In this regard, Amarista emphasized that one of his main goals is to mentor the team's younger players, a role he feels deeply connected to, having gone through the same process himself at the beginning of his career. "I've always been a player focused on helping the younger guys, because I experienced it myself. Every year there are so many young players; I always kept an eye on the team's social media, watching how all those guys playing abroad were doing and how their seasons were going," the infielder stressed, underscoring the importance of giving opportunities to promising young players, complemented by the veteran experience of the group. "The chemistry in this group has always been very good, and I think that's going to help us a lot this season."
Finally, "the Ninja" stated that his priority is to stay healthy, do his job, and contribute on the field. "It's no secret what I can do in the league. First, we're focused on qualifying, and then we'll think about the championship; I believe my contribution is very important for the team."
