Understandably, there is a contingent of fans that would love to see Omar Vizquel back with the Cleveland Indians – whether on the field or in the front office. Unfortunately, the veteran shortstop will not concern himself with such matters this offseason. At least not right away. This is because he will be busy taking up yet another hobby once the baseball season is over: Bullfighting.
The Texas Rangers infielder, who last winter searched for anacondas, plans to try bullfighting when he goes home to Venezuela this winter.
“Just go and learn the basics and stuff,” Vizquel said. “It’s one of my things on the to-do list. There’s a lot of things still to do.”
Those things that Vizquel still wishes to accomplish range from semi-extreme (flying an F-16) to borderline sightseeing (attending the Triple Crown horse races). Last year’s search for anaconda snakes ranks right up withe this whole matador endeavor.
Apparently, 11 gold gloves and 2700 hits as a major league baseball player still leaves one feeling a bit empty inside. Vizquel does say that he wishes to play at least one more season in the major leagues. I know of a certain franchise that could use some much-needed leadership that could be obtained from a 42-year old local hero.
Wishful thinking, undoubtedly, but Vizquel could be a cheaper version of Jamey Carroll with equal power and a ton more fan attraction when it comes to getting bodies in the seats to watch a team that will not be competing any time soon.
