Nestor Cortes Jr.’s father faced an unexpected challenge in life, but it ultimately paved the way for his son to excel in the world of professional baseball.
In 1991, Nestor Cortes Sr. made an attempt to escape from Cuba but unfortunately encountered obstacles that led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment, as shared by his son, Nestor Cortes Jr., in an interview with The Post before Fathers’ Day.
After Cortes Sr., along with his brother and two cousins, arranged for a boat to transport them to the United States in search of a better future, their plans took an unexpected turn. Regrettably, the anticipated boat never arrived, and news of their escape attempt reached authorities, resulting in Nestor Cortes Sr. being incarcerated for his involvement in the failed defection.
Following his release from prison, Cortes Sr. crossed paths with his future spouse, Yuslaidy. After their union in 1993, the couple welcomed their son, Nestor Cortes, into the world in December 1994.
The Yankees pitcher emphasized that if his father hadn’t faced setbacks in his escape attempt, “I wouldn’t be here right now, sharing this with you.”
In 1995, his father was fortunate to win the visa lottery, which allowed the family to legally immigrate and establish their new home in Hialeah, Florida when Nestor was just seven months old.
At the age of four, Nestor Cortes Jr. started playing baseball alongside his father, who was dedicated to spending time with him and supporting his practices, despite his demanding job as a forklift operator. Despite his busy work schedule, Cortes Sr., now 54 years old, prioritized his son’s development in the sport.
Nestor Cortes Jr. mentioned that his father had a consistent work schedule, starting at 5 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m., encompassing a 12-hour shift every weekday. Despite the demanding work hours, his father managed to accompany him to baseball practice at 7 p.m. in the evenings.
When it came to discipline, Nestor Cortes Jr. explained that his mother took the lead.
Nestor Cortes Jr. humorously mentioned that while he was more afraid of his mother, his father was always there to bail him out of trouble, creating a balanced dynamic in their household.
According to Nestor Cortes Jr., when his parents visit New York City to watch him pitch, it holds immense significance and carries deep meaning for him.
Nestor Cortes Jr. expressed that his parents’ unwavering love and support extend beyond his performance on the field. He mentioned that they will continue to love him, regardless of the outcome, echoing his nickname “Nasty Nestor,” which stems from the impressive spin rate of his pitches.
The distinctive mustache that has become a symbol of the pitcher is attributed to the influence and support of his father and fiancee, Nestor Cortes Jr. revealed. Fans often show their appreciation by donning fake mustaches in tribute.
Nestor Cortes Jr. mentioned that his father had a mustache in his early twenties, which he discovered through old pictures. Looking at himself, he noticed the resemblance and acknowledged the similarity between them.
Thanks to his fiancee, Alondra Esteras Russy, whom he met at a restaurant he often visited, Nestor Cortes Jr. didn’t have to worry about shaving off his mustache as she made sure it stayed intact.
Nestor Cortes Jr. mentioned that it was his fiancée, Alondra Esteras Russy, who encouraged him to keep his mustache because she believed it could help build his personal brand. He acknowledged that her suggestion turned out to be true as the mustache indeed became a distinctive part of his image.
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