50 Facts About Nestor Cortes

Early Life and Background

Nestor Cortes Jr. has an interesting journey that led him to Major League Baseball. Here are some fascinating facts about his early life and background.

1. Born in Cuba: Nestor Cortes Jr. was born on December 10, 1994, in Surgidero de Batabanó, Cuba.
2. Moved to the U.S.: At just seven months old, his family moved to the United States, settling in Hialeah, Florida.
3. Baseball Beginnings: He started playing baseball at a young age, showing promise as a pitcher early on.
4. High School Star: Cortes attended Hialeah High School, where he excelled in baseball and caught the attention of scouts.
5. Drafted by Yankees: In 2013, the New York Yankees selected him in the 36th round of the MLB Draft.

Minor League Journey

Before making it to the big leagues, Cortes had to prove himself in the minors. His journey through the minor leagues is filled with determination and hard work.

6. Gulf Coast League: He began his professional career in the Gulf Coast League, playing for the GCL Yankees.
7. Climbing the Ranks: Over the years, he moved up through the Yankees' minor league system, playing for teams like the Charleston RiverDogs and Tampa Yankees.
8. Impressive Stats: In 2017, he posted a 2.06 ERA across three minor league levels, showcasing his potential.
9. Rule 5 Draft: In 2017, the Baltimore Orioles selected him in the Rule 5 Draft, giving him a shot at the majors.
10. Return to Yankees: After a brief stint with the Orioles, he returned to the Yankees organization in 2018.

Major League Debut

Making it to the major leagues is a dream come true for any player. Cortes' debut in the MLB was a significant milestone in his career.

11. MLB Debut: He made his MLB debut on March 31, 2018, with the Baltimore Orioles.
12. First Strikeout: His first major league strikeout came against the Minnesota Twins.
13. Yankees Return: In 2019, he rejoined the Yankees and became a valuable bullpen arm.
14. Versatile Pitcher: Known for his versatility, he has pitched in various roles, including starter and reliever.
15. Unique Delivery: Cortes is known for his unique pitching delivery, which includes varying arm angles and timing.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Cortes has achieved several notable milestones and memorable moments.

16. First MLB Win: He earned his first major league win on June 15, 2019, against the Chicago White Sox.
17. Impressive 2021 Season: In 2021, he had a breakout season with the Yankees, posting a 2.90 ERA.
18. Strikeout Machine: He recorded a career-high 79 strikeouts in the 2021 season.
19. Fan Favorite: His quirky pitching style and effectiveness have made him a fan favorite in New York.
20. Postseason Appearance: Cortes made his first postseason appearance in 2021, pitching in the AL Wild Card Game.

Personal Life

Beyond the baseball field, Cortes has a life filled with interesting hobbies and personal achievements.

21. Family Man: He is very close to his family, often sharing moments with them on social media.
22. Dog Lover: Cortes is a proud dog owner and frequently posts pictures of his furry friend.
23. Community Involvement: He actively participates in community service, giving back to the community that supported him.
24. Social Media Presence: Cortes has a strong social media presence, engaging with fans and sharing glimpses of his life.
25. Bilingual: Fluent in both English and Spanish, he often conducts interviews in both languages.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Nestor Cortes that might surprise you.

26. Nickname: His teammates and fans often call him "Nasty Nestor" due to his pitching style.
27. Hobbies: In his free time, he enjoys fishing and playing video games.
28. Favorite Food: He loves Cuban cuisine, especially dishes like ropa vieja and tostones.
29. Role Models: Growing up, he looked up to pitchers like Pedro Martinez and Johan Santana.
30. Hidden Talent: Cortes is an excellent dancer and often shows off his moves in the clubhouse.

Achievements and Awards

Cortes' hard work and dedication have earned him several accolades throughout his career.

31. Minor League All-Star: He was named a Minor League All-Star multiple times during his journey to the majors.
32. Pitcher of the Month: In 2021, he was named the Yankees' Pitcher of the Month for August.
33. Community Awards: He has received awards for his community service efforts.
34. Fan Votes: Cortes has been voted as a fan favorite in various polls and surveys.
35. Team Player: Known for his team-first mentality, he has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Cortes has a promising future in Major League Baseball. Here are some facts about what lies ahead for him.

36. Contract Extension: The Yankees have shown interest in extending his contract, indicating their belief in his potential.
37. All-Star Potential: Many analysts believe he has the potential to become an All-Star pitcher.
38. Leadership Role: As he gains more experience, he is expected to take on a leadership role within the team.
39. Continued Improvement: Cortes is known for his work ethic and dedication to improving his craft.
40. Fan Support: With a growing fan base, he has the support needed to thrive in the majors.

Memorable Games

Cortes has been part of several memorable games that have left a lasting impression on fans.

41. No-Hitter: He was part of a combined no-hitter in the minor leagues, showcasing his pitching prowess.
42. Career-High Strikeouts: On August 15, 2021, he struck out a career-high 11 batters in a game against the Chicago White Sox.
43. Clutch Performances: Known for his clutch performances, he has delivered in high-pressure situations.
44. First MLB Start: His first MLB start came on May 30, 2019, against the Boston Red Sox.
45. Memorable Save: He recorded his first MLB save on June 26, 2021, against the Boston Red Sox.

Inspirational Journey

Cortes' journey to the majors is an inspiration to many aspiring baseball players.

46. Overcoming Adversity: He faced numerous challenges and setbacks but never gave up on his dream.
47. Underdog Story: As a late-round draft pick, he defied the odds to make it to the majors.
48. Role Model: His story serves as a role model for young athletes, showing that hard work and determination pay off.
49. Community Impact: He uses his platform to inspire and support his community, making a positive impact off the field.
50. Future Goals: Cortes aims to continue improving and hopes to one day win a World Series with the Yankees.

Nestor Cortes: A Pitching Marvel

Nestor Cortes has truly made a name for himself in the world of baseball. From his humble beginnings to becoming a standout pitcher, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. His unique pitching style, combined with his determination, has earned him a special place in the hearts of fans and a solid spot in the MLB.

Cortes' story reminds us that hard work and perseverance can lead to incredible achievements. Whether it's his impressive strikeout rates, his ability to adapt on the mound, or his knack for keeping hitters off balance, Nestor continues to prove he's a force to be reckoned with.

As we look forward to more seasons, there's no doubt that Nestor Cortes will keep dazzling us with his skills and passion for the game. Keep an eye on this pitching marvel; his best is yet to come.