In the midst of a grueling baseball season, Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez relies on a peculiar pre-game ritual to prepare his body for the physical demands of the sport. The 34-year-old veteran lathers his entire body with an icy balm, targeting specific areas that ache from years of wear and tear. This meticulous process is a testament to his dedication to the game, and a reminder that he’s no longer the spry 25-year-old who captured World Series MVP honors in 2015.
Eight long seasons have passed since the Royals last tasted postseason glory, but Perez’s patience has finally been rewarded. As the team returns to the playoffs, he’s eager to recapture the magic of his youth, when the pressure and pageantry of October baseball fueled his passion for the game.
Perez’s influence extends far beyond his impressive statistics, which include nine All-Star appearances, 27 home runs, and 104 RBIs this season. He’s the team’s captain, cleanup hitter, and a mentor to younger players like Cole Ragans, who credits Perez with helping him develop into an ace pitcher.
Despite his physical limitations, Perez remains one of the finest catchers in the game, with a keen mind for strategy and a willingness to assume the mental burdens of the position. His ability to frame pitches and call games has been instrumental in the Royals’ turnaround this season, and his leadership has inspired a new generation of players.
As the Royals prepare to face the New York Yankees in a pivotal Game 3 of their American League Division Series, Perez is ready to put his body on the line once again. He’ll don his neoprene sleeves, tape up his sore joints, and take his place behind the plate, where he’ll orchestrate the team’s defense and provide a steadying presence in the midst of chaos.
For Perez, this postseason run is a chance to prove that he still belongs among the elite players in the game, and to reward the loyalty of the Kansas City fans who have supported him throughout his career. As he takes the field at Kauffman Stadium, he’ll be driven by a sense of pride, duty, and a deep affection for the city that has become his second home.
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