Communication will be much clearer for baseball players, fans and reporters during the 2016 season thanks to a new policy.
The commissioner mandated that each MLB team have a full-time Spanish translator on staff.
Many people are surprised that it has taken so long for such a rule to be put in place, since nearly a quarter of big-leaguers hail from Spanish-speaking countries like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Cuba.
Most Spanish-speaking players know how to speak English, but many aren’t comfortable going through entire interviews with the media in their second language.
"Sometimes I get nervous," New York Yankees Venezuelan utility player Jose Pirela told The New York Times. "I want people to understand what I say. That's why sometimes I need somebody because I want to make sure you understand me."
Teams shouldn't be affected financially by the hirings. Before the mandate, most clubs had already hired translators for Japanese-speaking players, the second largest foreign-born demographic in the sport.
In fact, in 2014, the Yankees had three Japanese-speaking players, each with his own interpreter.
The reason for the high number of Japanese translators is likely because Japanese players often come to the majors as highly sought-after free agents from Japan's top league, whereas Latin American players usually have to work their way up through the minor leagues.
In the past, Spanish speakers often had to rely on teammates or other club employees to decipher their words for reporters, but thanks to the new Spanish-language translator program, Hispanic players will no longer be lost in translation.
All clubs are expected to fill the translator position by opening day in April.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
