Abraham Almonte’s Background

Dave · September 13, 2013 at 11:51 am · Filed Under Mariners 

If you haven’t yet, go read this excellent feature on the back story of Abraham Almonte, as told by T.J. Coterill in the Tacoma News Tribune.

About four years ago, Almonte was hovering over a toilet, tears running down his face. He was drunk and pouring a bottle of booze into the porcelain bowl.

Almonte said he craved alcohol like water after a long workout. He hated this addiction. He wanted out. He knew it was ruining his life.

“I would just be crying, thinking ‘I can’t be doing this,’ ” Almonte said. “But the next day I would buy the same bottle and start drinking again.”

The whole thing is worth your time.

Comments

16 Responses to “Abraham Almonte’s Background”

  1. Dobbs on September 13th, 2013 12:12 pm

    Nice back story. AAA coach says he’ll be a regular CF in the majors, but I’m a bit more interested in your opinion on him Dave.

  2. Westside guy on September 13th, 2013 12:46 pm

    I was really impressed with this statement from Almonte:

    “No matter where they send me – big leagues, minor leagues, home, wherever they send me – I know I’m going to do whatever God wants me to do. Baseball or no baseball, if I do it to glorify God’s name, I think I’ll be OK.”

    It shows a level of maturity a lot of Christian athletes – heck, even non-athletes – don’t ever manage to achieve… the idea that (while the article shows he’s confident in his abilities) even if he doesn’t end up a star center fielder, whatever happens is God’s plan for him and he’s okay with that.

  3. deadmanonleave on September 13th, 2013 1:05 pm

    I don’t believe in any religious stuff, but I have tremendous respect for a guy who turns himself around and tries to make the best he can of himself.

    Definitely pulling for Abraham from here on… that’s an inspirational story.

  4. Sports on a Shtick on September 13th, 2013 1:42 pm

    Tremendous story. It’s been fun watching him play.

  5. The_Waco_Kid on September 13th, 2013 1:44 pm

    Sounds like a great guy. Nice to hear about people overcoming personal struggles and nice to hear about people inspired and driven by their faith but not pushing it on others. Good for you, Abe!

  6. Athanasius on September 13th, 2013 2:16 pm

    Thanks for posting this, Dave. An inspiration.

  7. Snuffy on September 13th, 2013 2:25 pm

    A powerful story. Really hope he has a happy productive life. He is already mature beyond his years. As a baseball fan I hope he has a strong career. I am, however, no fan of religion, still, each to their own.

  8. littlelinny6 on September 13th, 2013 2:45 pm

    Magic ferry in the sky stuff notwithstanding, I am glad he overcame his addiction. Ultimately I think he lacks the talent to be an every day OF in MLB but I hope he proves me wrong. At the very least it would be nice to put a guy in there as a 4th OF that won’t butcher balls like Ibanez/Morse did this year.

  9. mrakbaseball on September 13th, 2013 4:23 pm

    I hope God tells him to hit the cut-off man.

  10. Section329 on September 13th, 2013 5:04 pm

    Will read it,but right now I am appreciating Brendan Ryan’s solo homer over the Green Monster.

  11. Longgeorge1 on September 13th, 2013 5:05 pm

    Really liked Almonte since I saw him in AAA. Listening to the radio pregame and they are going on and on about how the Cards teach basic fundamentals. God may save lives, but someone wearing a pair of stirrup socks is going to have to teach the rest

  12. Longgeorge1 on September 13th, 2013 5:07 pm

    I think they could put pinstripes on a monkey and it would hit .300

  13. mikey2312 on September 14th, 2013 6:34 am

    He sounds unstable and a little nutty.

  14. Gritty Veteran Poster on September 14th, 2013 8:58 am

    I just celebrated 21 years of sobriety and I love to hear stories like this. Although I’m a devout agnostic I do appreciate the role that religion can play for others. Whatever works. I’ll be rooting for this kid.

  15. ripperlv on September 14th, 2013 9:03 am

    Hang in there Abraham!! Like to see people overcome their demons, whatever the vehicle.
    I wonder what it’s like to be a 200 pounder in a 5’9″ frame. I would think he’s pretty strong. I know he’s fast. Reminds one somewhat of a young Kirby Puckett, but we’ll see. I’ve noticed he’s been somewhat exciting so far, worth keeping an eye on.

  16. maqman on September 14th, 2013 10:54 am

    Abraham (which he prefers to Abe) is the most interesting back story for the Ms since The Bartender. Interesting how they represent two different hands on the bottle. As with Hamilton people overcoming addictions and personal problems are indeed inspirational, without dependency on religion.

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