Montes is chasing his dreams in Hartford

By Dom Amore

HARTFORD — Coco Montes’ dreams of becoming a big league baseball player have brought him to Hartford — the same spot his family began rebuilding their lives decades ago as refugees from Fidel Castro’s Cuba. The 24-yearold plays various infield positions for the Yard Goats, the serendipity of a baseball life landing in the city where his family landed in 1961 after leaving their belongings behind in Cuba.

And it’s here where he’s working hard to make his own dreams come true. Montes has impressed, hitting .266, with seven homers and 35 RBI, and 25 doubles, best in Double A Northeast.

“Oh, I am so proud, he is my pride and joy,” said Montes’ grandmother, Ana Diaz. Montes’ stint with the Yard Goats brought Diaz and her bother for the first time in 50 years back to Hartford — the city that had been their safe haven. The day Diaz and a dozen other friends and family members were in the stands at Dunkin’ Donuts Park. Montes treated them to a grand slam.

“Baseball has been his life since he was 3 years old, and I came with him all the way, and as you see the family supports him.”