Oriolesfan44

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico -- The orange and black glove Miguel Tejada wears is a constant reminder of his big-league employer, but there is little doubt where the Baltimore shortstop's loyalty rests.
Tejada, the unofficial captain and the most recognizable name on the Aguilas Cibaenas roster this week in the Caribbean Series at Roberto Clemente Walker Stadium, is not only the face of winter ball in the Dominican Republic, he's also its heart and soul.

"I don't need anything when I'm here. I don't need the money and I don't need the fame," Tejada said. "I'm happy to do my job for my country. I want my people to see me. They supported me when I was a kid and now I show I support them."

Tejada has played in the Dominican Winter League for 11 consecutive seasons, dating back to his time with the Oakland A's in the mid-1990s. His appearance in this year's version of the Caribbean Series is his 10th overall and eighth in a row.

"He really supports the country and that's the most important part of it all," Dominican Republic outfielder Nelson Cruz said. "It makes you really proud to play with that kind of person. He plays hard all the time. He's amazing."

He also shows no sign of slowing down. Tejada's fourth-inning home run against Venezuela on Friday tied the game at 4.

"The most important thing is that I feel great," Tejada said. "What I want to do is win, help my team win and do what we can. It makes me proud to be here with this team."

Before Friday's series opener, a pleasant Tejada spent 15 minutes in an impromptu press session with media from all around the baseball world in a crowded and steamy hallway underneath the stadium. Surrounded by reporters from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, the All-Star answered the same questions about his past, present and future over and over with a smile on his face.

He was funny. He was open and he was sweating profusely.

How long is he going to continue playing winter ball and in the Caribbean Series? Tejada does not know.

"I will never say I won't come back," he said. "To go to Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela and every country is a new adventure every time. I'm always going to participate."

What about the Orioles? Tejada appreciates the organization letting him play every winter, even though some criticize their decision to do so.

"I am going to keep playing until they tell me not to," he said. "I'm glad they support me."

But what about your family? Don't you want to spend time with your wife and kids in the winter, Miguel? Ever heard of a vacation? Tejada laughs at the notion.

"My family understands this is my job and I am here for them," he said. "They support me. I have been playing baseball my entire life and all the fame I have owe to baseball. That's why I am here. I'm a baseball player."



That's fair, but you have to really want to beat your hated rival, Venezuela, right? Nope, he says. There is really no hate at all. Ramon Hernandez, Venezuela's first baseman and his Baltimore teammate, is his best friend, and Tejada spends almost as much time in Venezuela as he does in the Dominican Republic.

"There is no revenge here," he said. "We will play hard against everybody because this is a short series and whoever plays best is going to win. I am going to play 100 percent. I'm an aggressive player. I'm always going to be like that no matter who it is."

Tejada's honest and jovial demeanor was a notable feat, considering that only a few feet away an agitated former Major League catcher named Alberto Castillo was calling a press conference and complaining to anyone who would listen -- media or non-media -- about how his bags were thrown on the ground and his team was not being shown any respect.

Drenched in sweat, it was obvious Castillo could not handle the heat, but don't look to Tejada to criticize his teammate -- or any player -- for that matter. Don't even think about asking Tejada about why he chooses to play in the Caribbean Series when so many of his big league colleagues choose to skip Winter League play altogether.

"I can't speak for other players, because I know a lot of players have things to do in the winter," he said. "I can talk about myself. I've always wanted to represent my country. I'm happy to be in a stadium with such a proud name."

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Cal Ripken HOF 2007