About Omar--we went to same primary school until year 2, and he was the fastest in the class. Since then we went separate ways to reunite in the baseball field for the next 10 years, on and off as we were in different leagues. It was not until when we were 16 when we started to play against each other often (him with Gran Mariscal and me with Caribes, our teams, respectively), especially in the play offs and semi finals. As a pitcher, I consider him one, if not the, most difficult batsman to strike out. He was the first in the line up--very difficult to pass (walk) as he is a very skillful player and he was always making contact with the ball. I have much respect for his ability on and off the field.

With the big brace on my knee, my leg stuck out in the middle of the aisle, so every time someone walked by I had to stand up. Omar came back and asked if I wanted to switch seats and I had no idea who he was. At first I really didn't want to leave my teammates, but he insited that I move up to first class. His teammates were really cool and super nice. Omar sat with my siste--he was really nice to her and talked to her the whole time. Omar is an awesome guy and he is my favorite player ever.

"I'm a great fan of Omar. I met him a few years ago because I was living in the same building as him. He was really cool, he signed me a lot of cards. One day I went to the 'Universitario Stadium' here in Caracas when he played with the team 'Leones del Caracas' and he broke a record for the most sacrifices in a game (5). But I think the most spectacular and unique talents of Omar are his barehanded plays. I have more than 200 cards of Omar (a lot signed). If you don't know, the people in his building and his family call him 'Kique'--it's a nickname for Enrique (his middle name). I play ping-pong (table tennis) with his brother 'Beto' (Alberto Vizquel). One day I called him 'Golden Racquet' because he was playing really good and his brother has a Golden Glove. It was really funny!" 

"I have been a fan of 'Little O' (as he's known in Seattle) for many years (since before he learned how to hit.) In 1992, Marty Martinez taught him to stay back on pitches, then throw the head of the bat into the ball raising his batting average 64 points. Marty was the man who signed him to his first professional contract and also his manager at AAA Calgary in 1988. Did you know 'El Elegante' was the Venezuelan Athlete of the Year in 1992? His challenges when he first came up with the M's in 1989? (The 2nd ground ball hit to him in the bigs, he threw into the stands. The M's lost by 1 unearned run.) His comments about his chances of winning his first Gold Glove in 1993: 'If they didn't give it to me last year, I don't think they're going to give it to me this year,' 'Maybe they should give me the Gold Hand Award.'"

Lucy also remembers a lot about the reactions in Seattle to the trading of Omar to Cleveland. If you want to read more about his time in Seattle and the event surrounding the trade, click here. 

Tommy says that the best time to get Omar's autograph is to arrive and wait at the player's parking lot at about 2:00p.m. (for a 7:05p.m. game). Omar usually signs autographs when he gets there. 

Ashley: "Well I have a story of when I met Omar to show what a nice guy he is. It was at a local charity event at Shooters Downtown--Major League Maitre D'. The charity event was for University Hospitals Health Systems/Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Omar and Charles Nagy came and they talked to everyone for a little bit. And then they all autographed people's belongings. Omar brought along his little baby and wife, Nicole with him. His wife is really nice and pretty, and his little baby is SOOOOOOOOOO adorable! I had a conversation with Omar for about 10 or so minutes about baseball and how I play. He's a nice person! I only wish I could meet him again!!"

Anonymous: I heard that Omar had his own ice cream and might be coming to Mitchells (Bay Village) to help sell it. It was rumored that he would be coming on April 24^th, his birthday. While eating my ice cream I made a birthday sign for
Omar, and hung it up on their bulletin board. Omar autographed it for me and they hung it up in the backroom. Last week I picked up my sign from Mitchells and it is now hanging in my room. Omar is a true gentlemen and has a warm and wonderful heart.