"Baseball is feeling like home" - Astros All-Star Yordan Alvarez reflects on his journey from Cuba to Houston in MLB's new promotional campaign

To celebrate the rich Latin culture in baseball, the Houston Astros All-Star Yordan Alvarez was presented with a custom-designed home plate in MLB's latest campaign, "El Béisbol es Otra Cosa" (Baseball is Something Else). It was launched on May 30.

The artwork highlighted his home country, Cuba, and the city of Houston, to which he's deeply bonded. It also features the tagline "La Vida Mas Fina," which means "The Fine Life" by Corona, a project partner of MLB.

“Baseball is feeling like home. Home plate is very important place for me,” Alvarez said. “When I’m about to bat, I create something like a game simulation. I picture in my head each situation. I could face on home plate.”

That stimulation has worked well since this year. Alvarez has scored 58 runs, 54 RBIs and 20 home runs with an impressive slash line of .303/.386/.548 and an OPS of .934 in 97 games. It helped the Astros (53-49) become the AL West Division leader.

Yordan Alvarez shares his unique experiences from both Cuba and Houston

Yordan Alvarez recalled his childhood moments in Cuba with his mother and his firsthand experiences in Houston, which have now become precious memories.

"My first home is Cuba, the place where I was born. I really miss those times when my mom would send me out to do something, and I would stay out on the streets playing. I'd completely forget what she had asked me to," Alvarez said.

"This is my second home, the city of Houston. Honestly, I can't say adopting to Houston was difficult. I had the opportunity in which there were a lot of Latino teammates. At least three or four times a week, we ended up eating Cuban food. … If everything is good at home, coming back from a game, you have a reason to be happy."

In 2019, at 21, Yordan Alvarez made his debut against the Baltimore Orioles with the Astros. In 2022, he signed a six-year, $115 million contract to remain in Houston.

Alvarez has earned three All-Star nods, a Silver Slugger award and became a World Series champion in 2022.