Yankees breakout pitcher Luis Gil answers questions through translator Marlon Abreu with Washington Post columnist Steve Selby.
Q: What’s it like being a star in New York?
A: Star, that’s a heavy word. We’ve developed really, really, really talented players. I don’t consider myself a star. I’m just here doing my job and trying to help this team as much as I can. At the same time, I’m world famous because I play for the Yankees. So it’s inevitable that I’ll walk around and be recognized by people from time to time because there are a lot of fans on the team.
Q: What’s it like to be a fan favorite?
A: I definitely felt the support of the fans. It’s great to have the support of the fans. I’m so grateful to the fans who came out to the stadium every time, came to watch me pitch, cheered me on, and were there for me.
Q: What does it mean to you to be selected to the All-Star team?
A: If I was given the opportunity to play in the All-Star Game, it would definitely mean a lot. The opportunity to meet all the players, spend time with them, be in the same room with them, and at the same time learn a little bit from them and learn a little bit about how they see the game from their perspective. If I was given that opportunity, I would be excited and happy.
Q: What are two or three reasons for your success this season?
A: I think it’s the experience that you get every time you pitch. You’re kind of gaining knowledge every time you go up against a really good team or a really good lineup. So, the experience from start to finish has really helped me grow and mature as a pitcher in this league. Another thing that’s really important is that I’ve been working with pitching coaches. I think having Gerrit Cole around and being able to pass on some of his knowledge to me and give me advice that I can use has also been really beneficial for me.
Q: Which pitch do you think has seen the most improvement over the past year?
A: I think having control over all three pitches instead of just one has put me in a better position to execute my game plan and has made me more effective on the mound.
Q: How would you describe your mentality on the mound?
A: More than anything, it’s about staying focused – doing your homework, being as focused as you can on the mix that I’m using that day, giving direction and trying to be as consistent as possible.
Q: When you feel confident with every pitch, do you feel like a “King of the Gills”?
A: When I can control the pitch the way I want to, I feel a sense of accomplishment because I’ve worked hard to get on the mound and be able to pitch as consistently as possible. I get excited. That’s the closest thing to my nickname.
Q: How would you feel if manager Aaron Boone asked you to pitch out of the bullpen at some point?
A: I’ve been a starting pitcher my whole career. I’ve trained as a starting pitcher for years and for now I plan to continue as a starting pitcher. That’s how I’ve helped my team, started games and given my team the best chance to win games.
Q: What makes Juan Soto special?
A: The short answer is that he is just a God-given talent, a very unique talent.
Q: How do I convince him to stay with the Yankees?
A: (Laughs) That’s a tough task for me! Definitely, we all want him to stay. It’s no secret. We all hope that he can stay with us when the season is over.
Q: Tell us what it was like pitching to Aaron Judge in spring training.
A: I think it was ’21, but I remember feeling very uncomfortable pitching to him (laughs).
Q: Tell us about pitching coach Matt Blake.
A: Yeah, he’s a really good guy, a really good person and a great coach.
Q: What is the biggest adversity you have had to overcome?
A: Definitely when I got injured. I ended up having Tommy John surgery and it takes a long time to recover from an injury. It takes a lot of perseverance. It takes a lot of hard work and a strong mentality. So that was definitely the hardest obstacle for me to get back to where I am now.
Q: What was your lowest emotional moment at that time?
A: Definitely the moment I received the news. [May 2022] “Finding out that I had to have Tommy John surgery and that I was going to have to be off the field for a long time. That was definitely the lowest moment. But at the same time, after that news and the surgery, my daughter was born, so having my little girl and being able to spend time with her helped me get through that moment.”
Q: Were you scared that your career was over?
A: I never felt like this was the end. I’m a religious person and I believe strongly in God. I left everything to God, so I felt like this wasn’t the end of my career, but I had doubts. I didn’t know if I would be able to get back exactly to where I was before my injury. That’s why it was really important for me to work hard and focus on the work I needed to do to get back as close to where I was as possible after my surgery, and hopefully even better.
Q: Who was your favorite pitcher growing up?
A: I loved watching Yordano Ventura pitch as a kid. He was a great pitcher on the mound. May he rest in peace. And today I get to say Gerrit Cole pitches. I’m very fortunate to have him around and to be able to watch him up close and learn from him.
Q: What do you think about Lewis Hill off the field?
A: I just like to stay at home, so I watch some TV, some comedy, a little bit of YouTube, and occasionally listen to podcasts.
Q: What does Father’s Day mean to you?
A: Speaking of my parents, he is one of the responsible people who brought me into this world. Being a father myself, it is a huge responsibility to raise my children and ensure that they receive a good education and become good people in the future.
Q: Is it easier to change a diaper or to pitch to Shohei Ohtani?
A: (Laughs) I think I’ll pitch that to Ohtani.
Q: Are you good at changing diapers?
A: Yes, I have experience. But to be honest, I would change it when it’s light work. If it’s heavy work and messy, you might need some help.
Q: What is the personality of your 2-year-old daughter, Samantha?
A: You have to keep an eye on her. She’s very energetic. She’s very alert and smart, so keep an eye on her.
Q: What drives you?
A: Definitely my family. My family is what drives me. My daughter is a big motivator. I work hard every day to take care of my family and hopefully give them a better life. That’s what drives me to keep working hard every day.
Q: What were your dreams as a boy growing up in the Dominican Republic?
A: It was a little bit different for me because my parents would take me to the ballpark and just play games and do fun things. As I grew a little bit older, I started to get better and I could see the possibility of signing with a professional baseball team and starting a career as a professional baseball player. The path and the expectations started to grow and then… I thank God that I’m here today.
Q: What advice would you give to young Dominicans who dream of becoming a major league pitcher?
A: The message I want to convey is that I was also a kid with big hopes and dreams, just like them. Work hard, keep dreaming, and never give up. Have a strong belief in what you are doing and keep going.
Q: What is your favorite thing about New York?
A: I haven’t been out much. I need to get out there a bit more to give you a better answer. Hands down, the best experience in New York would be pitching at Yankee Stadium.
Q: Are there two dinner guests?
A: Ozuna and Jordano Ventura.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: Any Jackie Chan movie.
Q: Who is your favorite actor?
A: Jackie Chan.
Q: How did you become a fan of Jackie Chan?
A: I’ve been watching his movies since I was a kid and I love the mix of action movies and comedy, and I think he does it really well.
Q: Who is your favorite actress?
A: Ximena Duque.
Q: Who is your favorite comedian?
A: There are two comedians from the Dominican Republic, Raymond and Miguel, who do sketch comedy.
Q: What’s your favorite meal?
A: I went for the classic rice, beans and meat.
Q: What are you most proud of about your career so far and where you are now?
A: I think it’s about being able to overcome obstacles. Even when you fail, finding a way to get back up, keep going and find a way to improve. I think that’s what I’m most proud of.
Q: Have you ever thought about the Cy Young Award?
A: Everyone wants to win, but to be honest, I’m not thinking about that at all. As I said before, it’s very important for me to focus on what I’m going to do in my next start and work hard.
Q: Have you ever dreamed of pitching in the World Series? Do you think this team can win the World Series?
A: Yeah, I’ve dreamed about it a lot. Everybody dreams about it. That’s the ultimate goal, right? For a baseball player. And if God gives me a chance to pitch in the World Series, I’m going to give it my all and try to win.
