On Thursday, newly signed Miami Marlins starting pitcher Johnny Cueto set a new, extremely high bar for introductory press conferences.
More than a week after agreeing to a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Marlins, the team formally introduced the right-hander with a hero’s welcome.
Draped in a Dominican Republic flag, Cueto walked from centerfield to the pitchers’ mound at LoanDepot Park while music played in the background. The 36-year-old then erupted into dance while grinning from ear to ear.
Cueto told the Miami Herald’s Jordan McPherson that it was an “honor” to join the Marlins.
“Just the way the organization welcomed me and the city. It was great,” Cueto said. “It was a feeling like I was back home.”
Cueto had a solid season last year with the Chicago White Sox, finishing 8-10 with a 3.35 ERA in 24 starts. Cueto pitched 158.1 innings, the most he’s thrown in seven seasons.
A two-time All-Star, Cueto has started 353 games, going 143-107 over 15 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, San Francisco Giants and White Sox.
Cueto’s unique, over-the-top introduction with the Marlins might start a trend throughout baseball. Who knows, maybe every free agent signing will have an extravagant welcome in the future. The possibilities are endless, but Cueto has the crown, for now.
