‘He inspires me’: How Salvador Perez continues to pave way for Venezuelan players
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Perez represented Venezuela as team captain in the 2026 WBC, its first title.
- Perez is in his 15th MLB season with multiple Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers.
- Teammates say Perez mentors catchers and inspires Venezuelan players.
There are many names synonymous with Venezuelan baseball. And Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez is among the most well-known.
Perez has carried the flag for the country. He represented Venezuela in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as the team captain. The incredible WBC run ended with a championship victory over the United States in March.
It was Venezuela’s first WBC title and another milestone in Perez’s illustrious career. Now in his 15th season, he has represented the Royals and his country at the highest levels.
He is an inspiration to players all over the world.
“It’s really amazing to watch the best catcher that Venezuela has had in history become what he is right now — a future Hall of Famer,” Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras said. “And, I’m really proud of him. I’m really proud of the work he’s put into his whole career. His work ethic is off the charts and his preparation as well.”
Contreras is still in awe of his countryman. The two have a great relationship that was developed over a decade ago.
Perez knows the Contreras family. Contreras is from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela and Perez is from nearby Valencia.
Perez broke through with the Royals in 2011. He helped the Royals reach consecutive World Series and was the 2015 World Series MVP as they snapped a 30-year championship drought.
Perez made multiple All-Star appearances early in his career. He also garnered several Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger Awards.
So it compelled Contreras to pay homage to Perez when they first met in 2016.
“I went back to Venezuela and we were leaving the same complex,” Contreras said. “I was passing with my car, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s Salvador.’ I stopped my car just to show him respect. I got out of the car and I introduced myself to him.
“And that’s how it’s supposed to be. You’re supposed to show respect to your elders and especially to the guys that are more experienced than you. And the guys that have been longer in the big leagues than you.”
Perez is two years older than Contreras. However, Contreras revered him for his success in helping to pave the way for Venezuelan athletes.
It’s the reason Contreras was thankful to play on the Venezuelan WBC team. The experience allowed him to play alongside his brother William, who stars for the Milwaukee Brewers, and other baseball legends in his home country.
“For me to be a part of the team was a blessing because I was a part of history,” Contreras said. “And I think it was one of the biggest wins we had in Venezuela.”
Perez was a driving force behind Contreras playing on the team. He loved his passion for the game and for his countrymen.
Like Perez, Contreras has a sparkling resume. The 11-year veteran has a career .813 OPS (on-base plus slugging) with three major-league organizations. He made three All-Star appearances and won a World Series with the Chicago Cubs.
“He’s one of the best teammates,” Perez said. “You know he’s gonna fight for you. He’s gonna do everything he can do to win. And I like that from players. He is one of the guys.”
Yet Contreras was honored to share the field with Perez. And each time they meet, still, he embraces him — as he did on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium.
It’s a sign of respect and an outward expression of love.
“I think everybody growing up was looking at him, especially,” Contreras said. “He is one of the best behind the plate. He’s been doing it for a long time, and it’s really hard to do this for that long.”
Contreras is excited to see Perez continue to make history. Last season, Perez became the eighth primary catcher to eclipse 300 career homers.
And now, he is just eight homers shy of setting the Royals’ franchise record. The current mark is held by Hall of Famer George Brett (317).
Contreras followed in Perez’s footsteps as a catcher. In recent years, Contreras has transitioned to first base. He leads the Red Sox in multiple categories this year, ranking first on the team with 10 homers and 27 RBIs.
Perez has taken notice. He believes Contreras can add more hardware to his treasure chest, given his smooth transition to playing first base.
“I feel like at any point, he can win a Gold Glove at first base,” Perez said.
Both players will be remembered for their contributions in the majors. And each hopes his big-league journey provides a roadmap for others to follow.
“I hope young guys can look at what we are doing and the way we did it the right way,” Perez said. “You know, it’s pretty cool and amazing. Especially two (guys) from Carabobo (State) and Valencia. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
Perez has been a mentor to multiple catchers. He’s helped Royals rookie Carter Jensen learn behind the plate and did the same for San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin, when Fermin was with the Royals.
Perez has thus affected baseball in a way few have. Contreras and others are grateful to share the field with him.
“He inspires me, and he inspires a lot of catchers that are still growing up ...” Contreras said. “They will remember him for everything he has done so far in the big leagues.”
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 6:55 PM.
