Luis Suisbel came to the Seattle Mariners during the summer of 2019 at the young age of 16 years old. He was born in Valencia, Venezuela in May 0f 2003. Coming from a country where the love of baseball is surreal, Luis jumped at the chance when Seattle offered him $350,000 to sign with the organization.
In 2020, he missed out (like many baseball players) due to Covid. In 2021 and 2022, Luis struggled to get his feet wet, but in 2023, things started to go better for him. He began to hit and play the strong defense he was capable of (3B, SS, 1B) showing Seattle that he was not an oversight and they made the right choice. In 2024, Luis continued to excel with the Modesto Nuts (where he was part of a championship team).
This season, the young baseball player played his way on to the Everett AquaSox baseball team straight out of Spring Training. After a slow start, Luis started to figure out this High-A style of pitching and started to rake at the plate while playing stellar defense.
Seattle Sports Union was blessed and fortunate to sit down with Luis after a recent baseball game on their last homestand. At the time of the interview, the 22-year-old young man had 14 home runs and 44 RBIs while batting a modest .245 at the plate. In the field, his main position was 3B but had filled in admirably at SS and 1B at times during the season.
SSU: Luis, so nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us.
LS: It’s my pleasure guys, nice to meet you too. Forgive me if my English isn’t too good, but I will do my best.
SSU: It’s no problem brother, we are honored to have you here and we know you will do great. So, you are from Venezuela, no? Where did you grow up in Venezuela? Did you have a hero growing up?
LS: I am from Valencia, Venezuela. It was great growing up there. I love my country, and we all love baseball so much. I played winter ball there last year and I was part of teams with many great people, those who are my friends. As for heroes, I can’t really say how many because there are too many of them. So, I honestly can’t pinpoint just one guy, sorry.
SSU: That is no problem, Luis. So, you signed with the Seattle Mariners at the age of 16? What year did you sign with the baseball club? How did they find you?
LS: Yes, I was only 16. Many ball teams have scouts in my country and Seattle was one of them. They just liked what they saw, made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, and I joined the team in July of 2019. I have been here six years now, some of the best years of my life.
SSU: Your first year was Covid so you didn’t really get the chance to play. In 2021 and 2022 it seems it was a rough start for you? But things got better after that. Would you care to share?
LS: Covid happened and no it wasn’t fun but we all got affected by it, but my experience got better. The next two seasons I struggled but in 2023 I did start to hit some. It’s a part of my learning experience with this organization and I am good with that. I am learning as I go, and getting good at what I do.
SSU: Last year you played a full season at Modesto and was a part of a championship team. What was that like?
LS: It was really good. My team and my manager and coaches were great to play with. I learned a lot and hit the ball well too with a little power as well. Now it’s 2025, most of my team and coaches are here in Everett and we have a chance to win another championship. How cool is that!! I am excited to see how this season plays out and do what I need to help Everett win another championship.
SSU: When you came to the city of Everett, what did you think? Was it different from where you are from?
LS: Honestly, it was too much. What I mean is the rain and the cold was hard to deal with but it got better. I adjusted; it’s a part of everyday life. T-Mobile Park is just down the road from here, you can’t beat that. Everett is beautiful, so much to do here and the fans are great.
SSU: What do you like to do when you are not playing baseball?
LS: I love video games and watching movies. My favorite video game is MLB the Show.
SSU: Your team lost two of your star players recently, Lazaro Montes and Michael Arroyo. Are you sad or do you understand that it’s part of the game? How do you react as a team?
LS: It is always hard to lose players when they are promoted, or whatever the reason might be. It’s a part of the game though. I am very happy for my friends. They are good guys and amazing players. How can I not be happy? As a team, we just need to react. Next man up. We got playoffs coming in September for Everett. We have a great group here and we want to bring a championship to the city of Everett.
SSU: Do you have a preference in what position you play?
LS: No, not at all. It doesn’t matter. I love 3B, SS, or 1B. Wherever they want me to play I will play it because I want our team to win.
SSU: You seem to have a lot of power at the plate. Where did you unlock that from? You have hit quite a few homeruns over the last couple of years.
LS: Thank you, and yes, I do but I can’t really explain it. It’s just a part of my game and came to me naturally. This season I was off to a slow start but in June I hit 11 home runs and things started to click. As I said earlier, whatever I can do to help this team I will.
SSU: What is your favorite ice cream and why?
LS: I love Vanilla, just plain vanilla. No explanation necessary.
SSU: Awesome. Who is your favorite player in baseball right now and why?
LS: That is a tough one. There’s so many. I would have to say Fernando Tatis Jr. He’s electric and a very fun guy. I love that guy, he is so fun to watch.
SSU: Nice, I can see a little of Tatis in your game, no joke. Great call.
LS: Thank you, I appreciate that.
SSU: How did it feel to get a base hit in the 9th inning tonight? I know it’s been a tough homestand.
LS: It was so good. Been working on my swing, but going through a rough patch at the plate. Hopefully this is a sign of good things to come.
SSU: Last one Luis, so appreciative that you spent a few minutes with us. If I handed you a telephone right now and said you had one phone call you could make to Venezuela, who would you call and why?
LS: I would call my parents, in particular my Mom. They have always been there for me. I really miss them. My Mom and I have a great relationship. We do talk all the time when we can, they call to check up on me and vice versa.
SSU: That is so cool, thank you for sharing that. Do you have any brothers or sisters?
LS: I have a little brother who I miss so much too. He’s really good at baseball and might sign someday to play like I did. I really do miss him. Thank you for asking and thanks for talking to me.
SSU: No, thank you Luis. It was a true honor. Have a great night. We will be cheering for you (and so will Frog Nation).
Luis Suisbel, the future is bright young man. We hope you stay on track and see you in the big leagues in a couple of years. Whatever happens though, we are all grateful to have the opportunity to watch you play the game of baseball.
Go Frogs!!!
