For many in the Dominican Republic, baseball is a way of life. It is their ticket out of poverty, their favorite past time or a way to pass the time. For Jose Constanza, baseball has been all of that since he started playing at 7 years old.
Constanza finds himself one step away from realizing his and every child’s dream from the Dominican Republic — making it to the big leagues.
Constanza, 26, an outfielder for the Columbus Clippers, is having one of his most productive seasons since signing with the Cleveland Indians organization in 2003.
Standing 5-feet-9-inches and weighing 150 pounds, the Santo Domingo native is making his presence felt in a productive manner for the Clippers.
“You need to realize what kind of player you are. I know myself,” Constanza said. “I’m not the type of ballplayer that is going to give you 20 home runs a year. Not even 10. Maybe I can give you one or two. I have good speed. I try to use my legs. That’s how I have good numbers right now.”
Life has not always been this easy for Constanza. He grew up in poverty. His first job, at 9 years old, was cleaning shoes, just to have money for school.
“That was my life, always helping my family,” Constanza said. “My dad always working whenever he could. When I was 14, 15 years old, I began working construction to continue making money.”
When Constanza was not in school or working, he spent his time playing baseball.
“I was always playing,” Constanza remembers. “It was fun to play. I would watch games on TV and I said I wanted to play like that on television.”
His favorite player growing up was Luis Polonia, a Dominican-born player who spent 12 seasons in the majors.
“He was small like me and I knew I wasn’t going to grow much,” Constanza said. “Luis Polonia has always been my idol.”
“Complete happiness” is how Constanza describes the day the Indians organization signed him back in June 2003.
With his dad with him at the tryouts, Constanza remembers the support and joy he received from family and friends when he got home.
Signing was the first step.
In the years to follow, Constanza progressed quickly, only to be halted by injury.
In 2005 he injured his finger and in 2007 he hurt his shoulder. Each injury sidelined him for half a season, slowing down his progress through the farm system.
“It takes chances away from you,” Constanza said. “You find yourself uncomfortable. You don’t know what to do because you want to play but can’t.”
Now healthy and comfortable with where he is, Constanza is tied for the team lead in batting average (.338) and is garnering great reviews from his team.
“He’s a speedy outfielder and good defender,” manager Mike Sarbaugh said. “He’s really fun to watch.”
Those who spend time with him outside of baseball appreciate Constanza just as much off the field as they do on it.
“We’re like brothers,” said fellow teammate and roommate Carlos Santana, who first met Constanza while playing AA ball in Akron in 2008.
“As a player, he’s tremendous,” Santana said. “Tremendous baseball player, tremendous human being. He knows how to play ball. For me he’s a great teammate.”
Friend of six years and teammate Alex Rodriguez expresses the same opinion as Santana.
“He’s a special man. There aren’t many like him who are always happy,” Rodriguez said. “People like to be around him because he makes them laugh. If you need advice he’ll give it to you. If you need help, he’ll help you. He’s a tremendous person.”
Constanza is on the verge of being one of those players he used to watch on television growing up.
“I’m one little step away, so we’ll see what happens,” Constanza said. “All I can do is try my best so it can happen.”
As for what he expects if and when he gets the call?
“I don’t really know, but I know I’ll be a little nervous,” Constanza said. “I’m going to be very enthusiastic and excited to be there. That’s why I’m here because I want to be there. And that’s my dream to be in the big leagues.”
His family is still behind him and proud of what he has done.
“My family is supportive, encouraging,” Constanza said. “They tell me to keep going. And that no one knows what can happen so keep working hard everyday.”
