Their Hispanic Heritage and principles transcend the ballpark . Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado, the engines of the San Diego Padres are two heroes who saved lives when chaos reigned in Washington’s Nationals Park on July 17.
That day in the United States capital, while an exhibition game was being played between the Padres and the Washington Nationals, explosive gunshots were heard outside the stadium .
Both Dominican players opened the dugout as a refuge for the fans.
As shown in the images when the chaos began, Tatis and Machado instead of protecting themselves for their own safety, in an act of bravery and courage, first thought of those others present.
Here is the footage of Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wil Myers helping fans when in fear (of the shooting at Nationals Park). pic.twitter.com/9ApuHIs4Oy
— Dan Clark (@DanClarkSports) July 18, 2021
Fans in the stands thanked them in such a way that they came out as heroes on that terrible night in which four people were seriously injured.
Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado, the engines of the San Diego Padres
Tatis Jr., born on January 2, 1999, in San Pedro Macorís, Dominican Republic, has won the hearts of San Diego fans .
The son of Roberto Tatis, who played 11 seasons in the majors with different teams, has become one of the best shortstops in the league,
In 2020 he finished fourth place in the MLB Most Valuable Player ballot , behind his teammate and compatriot Manny Machado. Having signed a 14 year $340 million contract and only three seasons in, Tatis Jr. looks to be a fan favorite for many years to come in San Diego.
During the 2020 season, shortened due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he dominated several categories, finishing second in runs scored (50) and home runs (17).
Machado has been a fan favorite figure at Petco Park since his arrival in 2019, already a nine-year veteran in the majors. Today, at 29, the Miami, Florida-born, of Dominican descent, has managed to take success as his winning card.
He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2010, and was called to the main roster in 2012, after impressing all his coaches in the minors.
It was on February 21, 2019 when Tatis and Machado joined forces at the Padres, after Manny signed a 10-year, $300 million contract, the largest at the time in sports history.
In 2020 he was third in homers with 16 round trippers and 47 RBIs , also winning his first Silver Bat and being named to the All-MLB first team.
The achievements of Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado speak for them, for their heritage, their successes and their courage on and off the field, we celebrate them in a big way. From the Dominican Republic to being two of the best in MLB they fill us with pride. to all Hispanics.