Lying about age ... and Roberto Hernandez, the pitcher known as Fausto Carmona
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Ubaldo Jimenez understands the pressure felt by young baseball players in his native Dominican Republic. That is because he has been in their shoes and he has experienced the same temptation to lie about his age.
A few years shaved off a birth certificate could mean a lot more money in the bank account. In a country where many families fight poverty and view baseball as a gateway to a better future, choosing to use a false name or age is a path that many young Dominican players are enticed to pursue.
"I'm not going to lie to you," Jimenez said. "I had people that told me, 'If you get a couple years younger, they're going to give you more money.' That's something that you think about when you're that age."
SNIP
Hernandez was arrested on Jan. 19 outside the United States consulate in Santo Domingo, D.R., while attempting to renew his visa so he could join the Indians for Spring Training. The pitcher was charged with using a false identity and it was revealed that he was 31 years old -- three years older than Cleveland believed.
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Hernandez' only good year was 2007, when he finished 19-8. He was the starting pitcher against N.Y. in the playoffs during the infamous midge game. Since then he's had struggles, severe enough to be sent all the way down to the Tribe's instructional league a few years ago to help get his head straight. No surprise -- he had much on his mind:
He's trying to make amends now, teaching kids about "truth." But I wonder if he'll ever pitch in the bigs again.