You’ve likely seen the clips. The mariachi band that followed Mariners center fielder Leonys Martin around Monday on his 29th birthday won’t soon be forgotten.
The quartet Mariachi Phoenix shadowed Martin throughout the workout and even afterward into the clubhouse, and it provided a much-needed boost. Martin willingly donned a sombrero through it all.
It’s been a tough stretch for Martin, an emotional player who doesn’t easily hide his feelings. He’s less than a month removed from testifying in federal court regarding the harrowing details of his 2010 defection from Cuba.
His family is in Miami, and Martin anticipated a quiet birthday with some friends.