SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – A reporter from the Dominican Republic had two questions for Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.
The first was Hinch’s view on the wild, rowdy, exhilarating, wonderful environment the Tigers faced against the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic squad at Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal.
But the second question? Well, it sounded familiar. It sounded like a caller to a Detroit sports radio show. “I understand that it’s super early in the season,” the reporter asked, in choppy English, “but will there be a chance to see Kevin McGonigle?”
“In the big leagues?” Hinch finished, helping out the reporter.
Hinch broke into a smile and looked at the two writers from Detroit in the room.
“Your question about Kevin McGonigle has already reached Latin American countries,” Hinch said smiling. “It’s great.”
Then, Hinch proceeded to answer the question about what this experience was like.
“The environment here is very special,” Hinch said before the Tigers tied the Dominican Republic, 4-4, on Wednesday, March 4. “The one thing that I love about the Dominican Republic is the people here love baseball, and that is during all months of the year. It’s not just because the Major Leaguers are here. It’s not just because the WBC is here; it’s because the sport is being played. So, we are very thankful for getting this experience of playing in front of such passionate fans.”
As Hinch paused and his answer was being translated into Spanish, he glanced at the two Detroit writers and realized he didn’t answer the question. The big question.
“As for Kevin McGonigle, I wish I could answer in Spanish so our two beat writers wouldn’t know what I’m saying,” he said, smiling.
Yes, we all want to know, right?
“He’s doing such a good job at showcasing his talent and fitting in on what we expect to be a really good team,” Hinch said. “So, he’s trying to earn his way, whether that’s the beginning of the season or during the season, but nights last like (Tuesday) night are special examples of how he could elevate our play when he does get to the big leagues.”
If nothing else, that’s what this trip to the Dominican Republic has done for the Tigers.
It was an amazing experience for these players, these coaches and – yes – even for this reporter. To see a country that absolutely loves baseball. To feel the joy and passion, to hear the drums and screams and pure wackiness.
But this trip did something else. It has turned the debate about Kevin McGonigle – should he start the season with the Detroit Tigers or in the minor leagues – into an international topic.
Education of Kevin McGonigle
There was a cool moment before the Tigers played this two-game exhibition series.
After the Tigers were introduced, McGonigle stood next to Hinch on the first-base line, taking in the wild scene. McGonigle had never been out of the country. Never experienced anything like this. “I just looked around,” McGonigle said. “I was like, ‘this is insane.’”
Then, the Dominican players were introduced, and it was like an All-Star game: Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Machado. On and on.
“I mean, unbelievable,” McGonigle said. “I grew up watching all those guys play, and to be able to share the field with them and compete against them is really, really special.”
That moment was a subtle but important part of McGonigle’s education. It’s one thing to look at McGonigle’s batting average and say he’s ready for the big leagues. But there is so much more to it. And Hinch is trying to get McGonigle comfortable in the presence of players he once idolized. Trying to knock the natural awe off.
So, Hinch stood next to McGonigle, as the introductions continued, and pointed out how none of these superstars was perfect. Everybody has flaws. Everybody struggles. Everybody is human. And everybody goes through it.
“We were talking about that out on the line for the ceremony,” McGonigle said. “I mean, it’s the game of baseball, a game of failure. We all know that, but they’re really good at staying committed to their plan. So, if they struggle with the low and away fastball, they’re not going to chase it, they’re going to wait until the pitcher makes a mistake. And that’s kind of the way I like to think, is stay committed to my plan, wait till they make a mistake and don’t miss it.”
I mean, that’s great coaching. To take a moment like that and turn it into a lesson for this young prospect.
Then, something amazing happened. McGonigle crushed a home run on his first pitch. He finished the night going 3-for-3 with a walk.
Which set up another wild moment for him.
He was standing on third, talking to Machado.
“He just looked at me, just like, ‘oh my gosh, Papi’” McGonigle said.
Clearly, Machado was admiring McGonigle’s homer. “And I was like, ‘I don’t remember any of it,’” McGonigle said. “I just truly blacked out.”
This is another, subtle part of his maturation process. Learning he belongs to be on the same field as players he once looked up to.
Learning that they are not Gods. Just really, really talented players.
So many lessons for all these players
So, what will the Tigers take from this trip?
For starters, a tremendous respect for the baseball fans in the Dominican Republic.
“It was electric,” Riley Greene said. “That’s the loudest 20,000 fans you’ll ever hear.”
Or as Spencer Torkelson said: “I’m glad it doesn’t count, because it allowed me to appreciate how electric the atmosphere was.”
But there is something else. Something that is lingering and continues to build.
McGonigle continues to impress his teammates.
“He’s got the talent, he’s got the ability, but he’s got it upstairs too, and that’s really what it takes at this level,” Torkelson said. “He’s handling it perfectly.”
Yes, not long ago, everybody was fixated on Greene and Torkelson, wondering when they would be called up.
But now, they are the wise, old veterans, who can offer him advice.
“It’s awesome, seeing all the incredible things he’s doing,” Greene said. “He’s a great dude, super good human being. Loves the game, and, you know, loves to compete and loves to win.”
In many ways, this trip was an educational experience.
An education for McGonigle, on all kinds of levels.
But it was an education for the rest of the Tigers, too. Something that felt pure and wonderful. Just seeing a true love of the game. Like some wild cultural exchange program. The baseball version.
“This trip was about energy and passion for the game of baseball and that went for any person that was in the building to really every player who played,” Hinch said. “It was a great example of pure love of baseball and the fun that it can be while still competing.”
Next up
Friday (1:05 p.m.) vs. Boston Red Sox in Lakeland, FL.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How Kevin McGonigle got a critical education in Dominican Republic
Reporting by Jeff Seidel, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
