Thread by @ByJamesWagner, When Ubaldo Jimenez signed with the Rockies at 17 out of the [...]

When Ubaldo Jimenez signed with the Rockies at 17 out of the Dominican Republic, his mom asked for a promise. “I never forgot it. And she didn’t let me forget it.”

During the 2017 season, he started online classes. On Saturday, he graduated from college. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

A Pitcher Never Forgot His Promise to His Mother

When leaving the Dominican Republic, Ubaldo Jiménez promised his mother he’d get an education. Twenty years later, he graduated from college — with honors.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

While kids in the US or Canada can’t get drafted until they at least finish high school, kids in the D.R. can sign as young as 16.

Like so many kids there, Jimenez wanted to provide for his family. But his mom made him turn down a $20K offer & finish HS. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

A Pitcher Never Forgot His Promise to His Mother

When leaving the Dominican Republic, Ubaldo Jiménez promised his mother he’d get an education. Twenty years later, he graduated from college — with honors.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

Jimenez did his classwork after games or quietly on flights during the ‘17 Orioles season.

Only one professor connected the dots, emailing Jimenez during Intro to Microeconomics: “Are you the same guy who threw a no-hitter in April 2010 for the Rockies?” https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

A Pitcher Never Forgot His Promise to His Mother

When leaving the Dominican Republic, Ubaldo Jiménez promised his mother he’d get an education. Twenty years later, he graduated from college — with honors.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

Last one in this thread, I promise.

Jimenez celebrated his graduation on Saturday with his family, taking photos in his cap and gown, and with a toast of champagne.

His mom, who doesn't drink, was so happy she took part. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

A Pitcher Never Forgot His Promise to His Mother

When leaving the Dominican Republic, Ubaldo Jiménez promised his mother he’d get an education. Twenty years later, he graduated from college — with honors.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/sports/baseball/ubaldo-jimenez-rockies-college.html

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