Everyone loves a great comeback story and this year there is no better comeback than Albert Suárez. After signing his first professional contract in 2006, it took him 11 years to break into the major leagues for the first time. After spending parts of two seasons in the majors, Suárez found himself looking for a way just to keep playing baseball. He spent the next five years playing baseball in four different countries before landing with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024. Not only did Suárez make it all the way back, but he became a key member of the Orioles’ starting rotation as they finished the season with the third-best record in the American League, guaranteeing himself a chance to stay in Major League Baseball.
- Brian Barr
Birds Watcher Contributor
Best fan moment of the year
On Aug. 6, 2024, Albert Suárez was called upon at the very last moment to start a game for the Orioles after Grayson Rodriguez hurt himself in the pregame warmup. Suárez stepped in and held the Blue Jays to just two hits over five scoreless innings while striking out six batters. That began a streak of three consecutive scoreless starts totaling 17.2 innings. The Orioles took a chance on signing a 34-year-old pitcher who hadn’t played in the majors in over five years and it paid off as Suárez was the team's best starter during August as they fought to make the playoffs.
Why you should join this fandom
We are all told as kids that if we work hard enough and never give up on our dreams, then someday our they will come true. Albert Suárez is the embodiment of that. He had been playing professional baseball in Korea, Japan and Venezuela for five years since his last major league appearance and was 34 years old. But when the Baltimore Orioles offered him a chance to return, Suárez jumped on it. It turns out that a second chance was all he needed. Suárez was a very good pitcher on one of the best teams in baseball. He never gave up on his dream and now he’s living it.