Dodgers Star Miguel Rojas Becomes U.S. Citizen
The veteran infielder shared his pride in becoming an American during the Dodgers' bye week.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas has achieved a significant personal milestone, becoming a United States citizen during the team's recent bye week. Rojas, who is entering the final stages of his 13-year professional baseball career, expressed immense pride in his new status.
He traveled to Miami to complete his citizenship test and passed, a decision he made for his family's future. "As soon as I made the decision that I wanted to do this, I wanted to do it for my family, for my kids and for the future of them," Rojas stated. "So I’m really proud of being an American."
Rojas, 37, first arrived in the United States at age 16 as a prospect from Venezuela with the Cincinnati Reds. Over the years, he has built a life in America with his wife, Marianna Rojas Gamboa, and their two children, who were born in the U.S. during his time with the Miami Marlins.
"I’m proud of being working here for over 20 years now," Rojas said. "I’ve been playing professional baseball now for a long time, and that gave me the opportunity to learn the culture, the country, and I don’t take that for granted."
His baseball career includes two World Series championships with the Dodgers. He is remembered by fans for his pivotal role in last year's World Series, where his game-tying home run in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays helped force extra innings. The Dodgers ultimately secured the win in Game 7.
Rojas announced earlier this season that he plans to retire after the current season concludes. Throughout his 13-year MLB career, he has played five seasons with the Dodgers, accumulating a career WAR of 19.6, a .260 batting average, 61 home runs, and 386 RBIs.