In March of 2015, Houston Astros starter Cristian Javier signed as an amateur free agent for a meager $10,000.
The number is not “meager” per se, but compared to some of the largest bonuses ever received by rookies (some of which surpass $5 million), it was.
Like most minor leaguers, he had to earn his ticket and status as a major leaguer.
A slow climb through the Astros’ minor league ladder started, and just when he appeared ticketed for the Astros staff in the spring of 2020, the pandemic hit.
His MLB debut had to wait until the end of the summer, but the wait was worthwhile.
He worked had to stay ready during the pandemic, and a picture of him throwing back home, in the Dominican Republic, made the Internet yesterday, as he became the main actor in a combined World Series no-hitter.
“Cristian Javier in 2020. He’s in the Dominican Republic during the shutdown, before even making his
@MLB debut. A friend sent this photo to me. Never stop dreaming. Felicidades, Cristian,” MLB insider Jon Morosi tweeted.
Cristian Javier in 2020. He’s in the Dominican Republic during the shutdown, before even making his @MLB debut. A friend sent this photo to me. Never stop dreaming. Felicidades, Cristian. @MLBNetwork @astros pic.twitter.com/EracLcxhlq
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 3, 2022
A Cool Picture Of A Hard-Working Javier
The picture actually shows the beauty of baseball: here Javier was, throwing and keeping his arm in shape, in a country setting with daylight and a lot of trees.
He was very good that year in his debut season, with a 3.48 ERA.
He was equally effective in 2021 and 2022, and you can now say he is a big part of the Astros staff.
Last night, he threw six hitless innings and struck out nine hitters to set the tone for Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly to complete the first combined no-no in playoffs history.
His beginnings were humble, but he is now a top pitcher in the American League.
NEXT: Dusty Baker Continues To Be Featured In Historic Playoff Moments