News
Abreu, Vizquel a part of Venezuelan lore
Halos' outfielder has chance to break Rangers' vet's record
By Daniel Paulling / MLB.com
06/30/09 9:08 PM ET
ARLINGTON -- Omar Vizquel broke Luis Aparicio's record for most hits by a native of Venezuela just five days ago. Vizquel is playing against the next potential record holder in the Rangers' series against the Angels. Aparicio held the record for more than 30 years. Bobby Abreu stands fifth on the all-time hits list for natives of Venezuela and could be the next player atop the list. Between him and Vizquel are Aparicio (2,677 hits), Andres Galarraga (2,333) and Dave Concepcion (2,326). Abreu, 35, has 2,021 hits. "I might be [able to break the record]," Abreu said. "It's a long way to go. I'd like to. I'd like to play a long career. Who knows? I just feel special being in this class. Vizquel's my boy, man." They first met when both were playing in 1991 for the Leones del Caracas, a professional team in Venezuela. Abreu was quite the fan of Vizquel, maybe a little star-struck. "I used to see him on TV," Abreu said. "He was one of the three guys I respected the most -- Ozzie Guillen, Roberto Alomar and Omar Vizquel. Omar is just a special person. He's smart on and off the field." Vizquel remembers the day. "He came to the Leones as a young guy," Vizquel said. "He gave me a good impression. I knew he was going to be a good player." Abreu was a fan of Vizquel's because of his importance to his countrymen. "Omar means a lot for Venezuelan guys," Abreu said. "They want to be like him. When he broke the record, everybody was happy. I was happy. He worked hard. It's not easy. He still looks like a young guy." For Abreu, the same holds true for Aparicio. "Luis Aparicio for us is an icon," Abreu said. "He's the only Venezuelan in the Hall of Fame. Every Venezuelan wants to follow him. He's got everything. When you think of him, you think of something special." Both players agree which player will have the record eventually -- Miguel Cabrera. "He's a young guy," Abreu said. "If God keep him safe -- no injuries -- he can do it. He's got a good idea of what to do at the plate." Adds Vizquel, "If he maintains himself, there's no doubt he can do it." Vizquel said he doesn't mind potentially losing his record in a short period of time compared to Aparicio's lengthy reign as the leader. "I'm really satisfied with what I've done," Vizquel said. "If someone comes to break the record, I'm OK with that."Daniel Paulling is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
