Raul Mondesi runs for mayor of his hometown

Posted on December 26, 2009

Raul Mondesi of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs the bases during a game against the Montreal Expos at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California in 1998. (Photo by Brad Mangin)

 

Raul Mondesi, the former Los Angeles Dodger All-Star and 1994 National League Rookie of the Year is seeking to become the mayor of his hometown in the Dominican Republic, San Cristobal. I had not thought about Mondesi since he disappeared from the baseball landscape several years ago after injuries cut his career short after he burst onto the scene as an incredible Dodger prospect in 1994.

Mondesi was a five-tool player when he came up and was destined for greatness as he could do everything ion the ball field. He had that combination of kills that included a canon for an arm (often compared to the great Roberto Clemente) and great speed to go along with a powerful bat. His skills in the outfield earned him two Gold Glove Awards with the Dodgers in 1997 and 1997. However, his career was always hampered by his questionable attitude and sometimes surly behavior that helped him to bounce around baseball after he spent his first seven seasons with the Dodgers. After that he spent time with the Blue Jays, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Angels and Braves.

Since he left baseball Mondesi returned home to the Dominican Republic and looked for a new career- so he naturally chose politics! There is a trend in the Dominican Republic where famous people are running for a variety of national and local offices. Here is the kicker: The candidates are not required to articulate, or even understand, the issues. All they have to do is vote the party line once elected.

“Retired ballplayers are very useful. And being that baseball is the king of Dominican sports, they use them a lot,” Americo Celado, a columnist for the Dominican website Clave Digital told the Los Angeles Times. “But never thinking they can work for the good, submitting project after project in the Congress that will benefit society. Basically, it’s to take advantage of their popularity. Artists and baseball players have a better chance of getting elected because of their fame. And their money,” Celado said. “That’s what [the political parties] use them for.”

This is not illegal, and it mirrors what happens sometimes here in the United States when former athletes or celebrities run for office. Many of these people struggle adjusting to life away from the spotlight. Politics can be a big boost to their egos, just like their previous jobs were.

But wait- there’s more. Guess who Mondesi is running against? That’s right- Juan Marichal’s former son-in-law and 1990 World Series Most Valuable Player Jose Rijo! Rijo (see below) is Mondesi’s next-door neighbor. The Los Angeles Times reported that they live on the edge of town in neighboring mansions, surrounded by 8-foot-high walls topped with concertina wire and protected by armed guards. Three years ago, they were both hit with heavy fines for rigging illegal connections to their homes that allowed them to use electricity without paying for it.

Raul  Mondesi used to steal bases for the Dodgers. Later he stole electricity. Now he wants your vote!