Carlos Santana: The Ageless Wonder of Cleveland Baseball
The Cleveland Guardians’ clubhouse bore the marks of a grueling stretch, a physical and mental test that would challenge even the most seasoned athletes. Fresh off an 18-inning marathon, a doubleheader that stretched late into the Tuesday night, the team faced an early afternoon game, the culmination of 22 games played in just 23 days. Amidst the quiet hum of classic rock and the aroma of coffee, a necessary fuel to combat the fatigue, one player stood out – Carlos Santana.
Once a devotee of strong, Dominican coffee, a nod to his heritage and the rich coffee culture of his homeland, Santana had made a significant change. At 39, now the second-oldest position player in Major League Baseball, he had traded caffeine for longevity. Coffee was out, a disciplined regimen was in.
Santana’s commitment to his physical well-being is evident. He employs a personal chef who prepares nutritious meals during homestands and in his Tampa home during the offseason. He prioritizes recovery, spending time on the massage table before and after every game. But the biggest change, the one that speaks volumes about his dedication, was cutting out coffee.
“Last year, I quit. And my body feels good,” Santana explained. “It was tough. It’s hard, everybody knows, at my age. People have retired. But I’m keeping on.”
His performance on the field belies his age. In the second game of that grueling doubleheader, Santana delivered a clutch three-run home run, securing a 9-1 victory for the Guardians. His four hits over those 18 innings and his presence in the lineup the following morning as the designated hitter underscored his importance to the team.
The Guardians are investing in Santana’s experience and ability, paying him $12 million this season. This is not just a sentimental return. Santana has contributed four home runs and 13 RBIs, proving his value as he embarks on his third stint with Cleveland.
While he has technically played for eight teams, Cleveland is where Santana’s major league journey began in 2010. Over eight years, he hit 174 home runs and helped lead the team to Game 7 of the World Series. With Michael Brantley’s retirement, Santana now stands as the last remaining position player from that memorable era, a testament to his remarkable staying power.
Carlos Carrasco’s recent designation for assignment by the Yankees further solidifies Santana’s position as a link to the past. Only Justin Turner of the Chicago Cubs, a 40-year-old designated hitter, is older among major league position players.
The age gap between Santana and many of his current teammates is striking. Some were still in elementary school when he debuted in the majors.
“First and foremost, he’s just a professional,” said Guardians All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan, who was in sixth grade when Santana started his big league career. “Takes care of his body, does everything right. He’s very vocal about what he does in the weight room, off the field. He doesn’t drink, makes sure he eats the right things, gets full sleep.
“I think it’s a really cool role model for a lot of us young guys. It shows if you want to play in this game a long time, this is what it looks like. There’s no secrets. Just all the stuff that’s been hammered into us at a really young age.”
Santana takes his role as a mentor seriously, especially given the significant Dominican presence on the Guardians’ roster. The team includes franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez, All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, and the popular outfielder Jhonkensy “Big Christmas” Noel.
For these players, Santana is more than just a teammate. He’s a familiar face, a trusted voice from home. He emphasizes the transient nature of success in baseball, reminding them that nothing is guaranteed.
His Dominican teammates, ranging in age from 23 to 32, keep Santana feeling young and invigorated.
“I try to help the Dominicans,” he said. “They follow me. They ask so many questions, asking why I play for a long time and look good. I feel like a kid. I feel like a younger guy when I’m playing with them.
“When you’re younger, you think that you know everything. You think, at the time, it’s never coming to an end. I remember that when I was 23 years old. I thought I knew everything.”
Santana has seen almost everything in his career. He has hit 328 home runs, and his impressive .353 career on-base percentage and .783 OPS ensure he will remain a sought-after player.
Despite a recent 0-for-25 slump, Santana has rebounded, hitting 10-for-30 and reaching base in his last 10 games. The Guardians, who surprisingly won the AL Central last year, are also thriving, winning six of their last nine games to improve to 21-15.
Santana is hoping to make his seventh postseason appearance, aiming to achieve one of the few remaining goals in his career – winning the final game of the season.
The man who once famously smashed a clubhouse TV to motivate his video game-playing teammates has evolved. He may be more mellow now, or perhaps he’s simply surrounded by a greater sense of professionalism.
He readily shares his baseball experiences, not with nostalgia but with the intention of imparting the wisdom he has gained.
“It’s the stories he tells about different teammates and the places he’s been,” Kwan said. “He loves sharing them, and I appreciate that. With veterans like that, I’m a little sheepish to ask them for their secrets.
“But he’s an open book. I think that’s why he’s so beloved across the league.”
Perhaps this is why Santana continues to play. His popularity is a factor, but the simplicity of his off-field life is equally important.
“Drink a lot of water, sleep well,” he advises. “That keeps me playing.”
He prioritizes eight hours of sleep each night and an hour-long nap when the Guardians are at home. Above all, he listens to his body, which has served him well. Santana has only spent 31 days on the injured list since the start of the 2011 season.
His approach is a valuable lesson for younger players.
“He takes into account, too, that when you’re younger you’re going to fail and rely on your body to bounce back,” Kwan said. “As he’s had years in the league, he’s picked up things here and there and it’s culminated in where he is now.”
Carlos Santana, the ageless wonder, continues to defy expectations, demonstrating that dedication, discipline, and a commitment to self-care can extend a career and inspire a new generation of players.
