The Águilas Cibaeñas performed on Saturday at Miguel Tejada the greatest honor by retiring the number 4 that he wore for 17 seasons with the team.
In a special ceremony prior to the game against the Tigres del Licey, the Águilas Board of Directors and some of the players who were with Tejada in his successful career accompanied him in this tribute before a fan base overflowing with joy, but also full of nostalgia.
“Know that I am and will be a harrier soldier all my life. Wherever the team needs me, I will be there,” said an emotional Tejada in a speech that had to be interrupted several times due to tears.
To get to the stage, Tejada had a private ticket on a bus that symbolizes his nickname “La Guagua” and that brought his relatives as passengers, as well as the main authorities of the Peravia province, where he is from. While this was happening, a spectacular fireworks show accompanied by endless applause complemented the unforgettable moment.
By taking a special participation on behalf of the players, former receiver Alberto Castillo highlighted the dedication, chivalry and respect for the game shown by Tejada, who also shared anecdotes that made them strengthen their friendship off the field.
Although several of the most successful players in LIDOM history have worn the eaglet jacket, the Miguel Tejada It is only the fourteenth number retired by the Eagles and the first since the 2011-2012 season when the honor was given to the number 31 used by Guillermo García.
Tejada’s number 4 joins the select list made up of: (1) worn by Miguel Diloné, (3) Winston “Chilote” Llenas, (9) by Roberto Peña, (10) worn by Franklin Taveras and Félix Fermín, (14) ). Also Tony Peña (18), Stanley Javier, Luis Poland (22), Ramón Arturo Peña (24), Julián Javier (25), Guillermo García (31), Julio Martínez (29) and Arnulfo “Nino” Espinosa (32).
In his career, Tejada participated in 12 final series where he was crowned champion eight times in the seasons 1996-97, 97-98, 99-00, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2004-05, 2006-07 and 2007-08. . The Player of the Country was characterized by his dedication to the Aguilucha cause, even in the 2002 season, when he won the Most Valuable Player award in the American League while playing for the Oakland Athletics in the Major Leagues.
He became an icon for Cibaeños and the entire country due to his participation in the postseason, where he holds the leadership in home runs (29) and runs batted in (128), as well as in the Caribbean Series where he leads his career in batting (315). ), home runs (15) and RBIs (47).
For such a special moment, Tejada was also accompanied by Luis PolandBartolo Colón, Rafael Furcal, Tony Batista, Héctor Luna, Roberto Hernández and TJ Peña, with whom he managed to build a hegemony during his career.
