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‘It became a religion to me’: With the Yankees in town, Ramon Laureano reflects on the team that inspired him to play baseball

Ramon Laureano’s love for baseball didn’t start outside on the diamond. There were no childhood indications that his laser arm could be unearthed, his killer competitive instinct didn’t necessarily manifest from innocuous childhood games with teammates or friends.

Laureano’s love of baseball blossomed during hot summer nights in Santo Domingo. In front of the television with his family, a 7-year-old Laureano would fixate on the day’s Yankees game.

As frustrating the media bias for the classic rivalry is State-side, the Yankees vs. Red Sox clash fed his competitive spirit. It was the only baseball Laureano could watch, but it was all he needed.