Dodgers: Former L.A. Star Helped Hanser Alberto Become the Clubhouse Leader He Is

Hanser Alberto has filled a lot of roles for the Dodgers this year, as a utility infielder, an occasional pitcher, and a clubhouse leader. His smile is infectious, and it’s clear the fans and his teammates all love him.

Coming from the Dominican Republic, Alberto saw baseball as his best chance at a better life and saw happiness as a key to that goal.

“I put that extra smile, happiness, enjoy what we’re doing, because where we come from in the Dominican, all we think is baseball. That’s the biggest way that we have to get a better life, to support others, to help family. I think we’ve got to put a lot of work, so being happy helps me out a lot.”

When Alberto came up with the Rangers in 2015, former Dodger Adrian Beltre was in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career. Beltre, a fellow Dominican, was in his 18th season and had some key advice for the 22-year-old Hanser.

“When I went to Texas in ’15, Adrian Beltre told me, ‘Hey, don’t change, be you, keep that energy. We know what you can do as a player, but it’s important to us to have you here with that energy that you have.’ And you know, I just did the same thing in Texas, and people started to know me, talking about it, and now here we are.”

.@elpotroalberto talks to @kirsten_watson about a very special gift he received from @redturn2. ?#AlwaysLA pic.twitter.com/W2wIDAEvvz

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 22, 2022

Hanser is a veteran himself now and turning 30 next month. His best playing days might be behind him, but his impact on the Dodgers goes far beyond his batting line (or even his pitching line).

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