(Photo Credit- Robert’s Twitter)
Robert Perez Jr is a baseball player who plays for the Everett AquaSox, part of the Seattle Mariners minor league farm system. He signed with the Mariners in 2016 as an International Free Agent at the age of 16 years old. Perez comes from a baseball family as his father, Robert Perez, played for a little over 6 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers as an outfielder. Robert is following his father’s footsteps but in his own way, quietly having an MVP season as he slowly is making a name for himself as an up-and-coming prospect.
In perhaps a breakout season for Perez Jr, he has put up some impressive statistics hitting .281 with an on-base-percentage of .385 and a slugging percentage of .508 while quietly hitting 24 home runs for the Modesto Nuts and now the Everett AquaSox during the 2022 season. Recently Seattle Sports Union had the opportunity to meet up with the young first baseman/right fielder of the Everett AquaSox.
SSU: Thank you for joining us tonight. Tough game how it ended up. Two hits and scored a run tonight. How are you feeling?
RP: I felt good at the plate tonight, was seeing the baseball very well. It was a tough loss, but we are getting to know each other. There are lots of new players, including myself. We will continue to work hard and become better as a team. Tomorrow is another day, and we will look forward to bringing a win to the Everett fans.
SSU: You were born in Venezuela? When did you come to America?
RP: I came to America when I was two years old and yes, I was born in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
SSU: How old were you when you started playing baseball?
RP: I started playing when I was four years old. I played my first little league game when I was six years old.
SSU: Were you always a first baseman or did you play other positions growing up?
RP: I played a lot of positions growing up all over the field, but I really like playing first base. Wherever the Mariners want me to play I will be fine with it. I love baseball and I truly am blessed with where I am at in my career.
SSU: Your father played in the big leagues. Care to share? You were probably too young to remember seeing him play but did you ever get the chance to watch him play the game of baseball?
RP: Yeah, I was too young to see him play in the big leagues, but I got to see him play some baseball in Venezuela when I was younger. It was pretty cool to see him play and very inspiring.
SSU: Besides your father, who was a favorite player of yours growing up?
RP: Miguel Cabrera and Omar Vizquel were from my country and fun to watch. I’d say that they were my favorite. When I was growing up, Miguel was just making a name for himself. He was raking at the plate and a huge hit with the fans on and off the field. He was also a leader on his team. He’s probably my favorite.
SSU: Speaking of raking, you are having an incredible 2022 season at the plate. Currently you have a combined 21 home runs and nearly 100 RBIs and we still have a month left in the season. This seems like a coming out party for you. Please tell me your secrets, haha.
RP: I just have been working really hard and been blessed with some amazing stats. I will continue to work hard and hope this carries through to the next level.
SSU: So, you signed in 2016. How did the Seattle Mariners find you?
RP: They had a couple of scouts in my country, and they saw me play. I was 15 at the time and they invited me for a tryout. Next thing I know they offered me a contract, I signed and by 2019 I was in Everett and also played briefly with Tacoma. In 2020 we all know what happened, and in 2021 I was in Modesto. This season I have played my best baseball which got me promoted to Everett.
SSU: What do you like to do in your free time?
RP: I like to rest believe it or not. I do play games and talk with my family. But in reality, I like to rest up as much as I can.
SSU: 20 plus years from now, what is Robert Perez Jr doing?
RP: Good question, I really don’t know. Hopefully something baseball related. Otherwise, I hope it is spending time with my family in some capacity. We shall see what happens.
SSU: Do you have a nickname?
RP: My teammates call me “Bobby Bombs” (laughs). Otherwise, they just call me Robert.
SSU: What is your favorite movie or tv show?
RP: I love “Stranger Things” on Netflix. I am a huge fan. I like it because it is funny and scary at the same time.
SSU: How about a favorite sports movie?
RP: The Sandlot is my favorite sports movie for obvious reasons.
SSU: Thank you Robert Perez Jr for taking the time and talking to Seattle Sports Union, the future is bright young man.
RP: Thank you guys, truly appreciate it.
If the 2022 season means anything, Robert Perez Jr will be starting out the 2023 season in Double AA Arkansas. Perez seems to have a knack for raking at the plate and has a decent glove in the field. Best of luck to you. We can’t wait to watch your career explode Bobby.
