SUMMARY
- Ronald Acuña Jr. determined to make a strong comeback in the 2024 MLB season after missing a significant portion of the 2021 season due to a career-threatening injury.
- Coming from a baseball-oriented family, Ronald Acuña Jr. inherited his passion for the sport from his father, Ronald Sr., and maternal grandfather, Romualdo Blanco.
Ronald Acuña Jr. seems set about returning with a vengeance after a season-marred injury that saw him miss a significant portion of the 2021 season and the climactic World Series Championship. Limited to just 82 games in 2021 due to a career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament tear, Acuña showcased his determination in the ballpark by delivering impressive stats, hitting 24 home runs, and driving in 52 RBIs.
Fueled by an indomitable determination that rages like a firestorm within, Acuña Jr. crafted one of the most extraordinary seasons witnessed in the National League last year. While the elusive Fall Classic victory remained out of reach, the slugger left an indelible imprint on the league. His stunning performance last season which saw him take 73 stolen bases earned him the unanimous NL MVP. Now that the 2024 MLB season looms on the horizon, the 26-year-old All-Star is keen on asserting that he is indeed back in business yet again.
With Acuna Jr.’s stunning performance on the field, questions naturally arise about his background. Where is the Atlanta Braves star from? What is his nationality, ethnicity, and hometown? Let’s delve deeper to find out.
Where was Ronald Acuña Jr. born?
Let’s uncover the origins and background of the Atlanta Braves star. Delving deeper into Ronald Acuña Jr.’s roots, he was born on December 18, 1997, in the Venezuelan port city of La Guaira, Venezuela. Hailing from a baseball-oriented family, Acuña Jr. inherited his passion for the sport from his father, Ronald Sr., and his maternal grandfather, Romualdo Blanco, both of whom dedicated years to the minor leagues.
Acuña Jr.’s early exposure to the game came from watching his Escobar cousins who also played in the Major Leagues. According to brittanica.com, he pleaded with them to allow him to witness their matches. He also fondly recalls having a core memory of extended family members competing in the Venezuelan Winter League, both in person and on television.
Growing up, Ronald Acuña Jr. honed his baseball skills in the local leagues around the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. His journey with the Atlanta Braves began in 2014. After navigating through a few seasons in the minor leagues, Acuña Jr. made a memorable major league debut on April 25, 2018, at the age of 20. Notably, he became the youngest player to homer in five consecutive games that August, marking a highlight in his rookie season.
As the eldest of four sons, Acuña Jr., it seems like the slugger is carrying on the family legacy. One of his younger brothers, Luisangel, currently plays as a shortstop in the New York Mets organization. Additionally, he celebrated a significant milestone by getting married this year to the love of his life Maria Laborde.