When the MLB season ends, St. Louis Cardinals catcher Brayan Pena will be taking on a different challenge. The St. Louis backstop announced on Tuesday that he is joining the Army Reserves.
Im very proud to announce with the support of my wife & family that i will be joining the ARMY RESERVE this off season " God Bless America "
— BRAYAN PEÑA (@cuban2727) July 5, 2016
This is a big deal in a couple ways.
First, it’s a gigantic break from the norm. Not many athletes serve in the United States Military. Those that do serve often do so early in their careers at a relatively young age, like the NBA’s David Robinson or the NFL’s Roger Staubach. Pena, who is 34 and nearing the end of his career, is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum.
Second, it’s another step in a long journey that Pena has taken from Cuba to the United States. Pena was born in Cuba. He left Cuba at 16, literally escaping out of a hotel bathroom window and undertook a long journey to the United States.
He began playing professional baseball in 2001, made his Major League debut in 2005, and became an American citizen in 2008.
The 2016 season is Pena’s first year with the Cardinals. He’s played in three games for St. Louis this season. Prior to the Cardinals, Pena played for the Atlanta Braves (2005-2008), Kansas City Royals (2009-2012), Detroit Tigers (2013), and Cincinnati Reds (2014-2015).