How did Giants' new recruit Rafael Devers get his nickname 'Carita'?
Rafael Devers, the hard-hitting third baseman now with the San Francisco Giants, is widely known by the affectionate nickname 'Carita,' which translates to 'little face' or 'baby face' in Spanish.
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More than a nickname, it's the tale of a Sánchez, a Dominican boy whose happy-go-lucky personality and youthful appeal earned him this appellation early on, and it has clung to him ever since throughout his amazing journey.
What is the meaning behind Rafael Devers' nickname?
Back in his hometown, young Rafael Devers stood out not just for his baseball talent but also for his bright, ever-present smile. As an ESPN interview captured, Devers recalls:
'In mi barrio cuando yo jugaba vitilla… había siempre un muchacho que decía 'mira la carita de este…' y de ahí se me quedó 'Carita''
Even during pickup games playing street ball ('vitilla'), locals noticed his cheerful, baby-faced appearance, so 'Carita' just stuck.
Why the name still matters for Devers
Though he's grown into a powerful athlete, the nickname stuck because it was real. As The Lowell Sun and The Washington Post describe, that bright-eyed grin and laugh have been constants throughout his career.
Devers debuted in MLB with the Red Sox in July 2017, and he quickly became known for his youthful energy and attitude as much as his prodigious power. That nickname followed him into the majors, literally appearing on his Players' Weekend jersey and further cementing his identity as 'Carita'.
His impact was immediate, not just in fanfare, but in record-breaking performances, including a historic homer on a 102.8 mph pitch off Aroldis Chapman.
Rafael "Carita" Devers is a former Red Sox star whose nickname is more than a nod to his appearance. It's a testament to his humility, his happiness, and the unbreakable bond between his humble beginnings and his international success. Whether he's blasting home runs at Fenway or Chase Field, that wide-eyed smile is what defines him and keeps him humble.
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His tale indicates that sometimes a nickname can have a lifetime's meaning and appeal. As he continues his professional career with the Giants, one thing becomes certain: that baby face still shines like ever.
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