"Chico": MLB's 1st Latino All-Star

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This has to be one of the coolest episodes we’ve ever recorded for our podcast. We spent a hot, humid, slightly rainy, Thursday morning setting up cameras and some folding chairs on Sox field while players took batting practice behind us.. If you watch the episode you will see my eyes darting. I know everyone assured me these are professional athletes, but every crack of the bat had me convinced a baseball was headed straight for my head. 

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Dario (my co-host) and I sat down waiting for our guests to arrive, entirely in awe of where we were and how we were allowed to do this. Before I even go on, I have to thank the Sox Organization for inviting us to conduct these interviews. 

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Our first guest, Billy Russo, a native Venezuelan who dreamed of being a professional baseball player; he went on to become a sports journalist. When I asked him how he felt having to be around the game but not in it, he shared that whether on the field or in the booth, he feels like he’s always part of the game.

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Russo's role extends far beyond calling games in Spanish. Before first pitch, you'll often find him in the clubhouse helping players navigate interviews and conversations as a translator. Once the game begins, he's in the broadcast booth. After the final out, he's back to translating press conferences and postgame interviews. He's often one of the first people to arrive at the ballpark and one of the last to leave. Russo helps create a sense of belonging for Latino players as they navigate a new team, a new city, and often a new language. He serves as a bridge between the clubhouse, the media, and the fanbase.

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It’s entirely too fitting that Russo is so dedicated to his role. Russo shares the broadcast booth with longtime White Sox commentator Hector Molina, occupying the seat once held by Alfonso "Chico" Carrasquel. To Russo, Chico was the first person he saw that looked like him, at an All-Star Game. 

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Molina experienced an entirely different part of Chico’s life. Over the decades, Molina watched Chico go from highly accomplished athlete to color commentator. He expressed how remarkable it is to see someone build two extremely influential and successful careers. Molina spoke of Chico like you would of family members (that you like). They were long time friends, so much so that when Molina and Chico would be on the road coming home, Molina’s daughter would run to welcome Chico before her own father first. 

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“On July 10, 1951, White Sox shortstop Alfonso “Chico” Carrasquel became the first Latino player selected to an MLB All-Star Game — a groundbreaking achievement that helped open the door for generations of Latino stars. A native of Caracas, Carrasquel not only made history on the field, but also became a beloved figure in Chicago, later serving as a Spanish-language broadcaster and community ambassador who strengthened the club’s connection to Latino fans across the city.” - Chicago White Sox

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On July 10, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of Chico Carrasquel becoming the first Latino player selected to a Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The White Sox also hosted Mexican Heritage Night, filling the ballpark with music, culture, and a celebration of the community that has long been part of the fabric of both Chicago and the game itself. Dario and I celebrated his birthday that evening, making it a day packed with milestones, memories, and more baseball than we could have asked for.

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The game itself couldn't have been better. The White Sox dominated in a 15-1 victory, and the energy throughout the stadium reflected it. We ended the night with an incredible fireworks show. I’m officially a Sox fan! 

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WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE