Salvador Perez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Salvador Perez |
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Pérez with the Kansas City Royals in 2015
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| Kansas City Royals – No. 13 | |||
| Catcher / Designated hitter / First baseman | |||
| Born: May 10, 1990 Valencia, Venezuela |
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| debut | |||
| August 10, 2011, for the Kansas City Royals | |||
| MLB statistics (through July 23, 2025) |
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| Batting average | .266 | ||
| Hits | 1,668 | ||
| Home runs | 291 | ||
| Runs batted in | 978 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
MLB records
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Salvador Johan Perez Diaz (born May 10, 1990), also known by his nicknames "El Niño" and "Salvy", is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball player. He plays for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is a nine-time All-Star and won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award when the Royals won the 2015 World Series.
Perez is famous for his powerful hitting and excellent defense as a catcher. He has spent his entire MLB career with the Royals and became the team's captain in 2023. He also plays for the Venezuelan national team in international games.
For most of his career, Perez was a full-time catcher. In recent years, he has also played first baseman and designated hitter to help protect his knees. He holds the MLB record for the most home runs hit by a catcher in a single season, with 48 in 2021.
Early Life and Beginnings
Perez was born in Valencia, Venezuela. His father left when he was four, so his mother, Yilda Díaz, raised him. To support the family, his mother sold homemade cakes and other foods.
When Perez was six, his mother signed him up for a baseball school. He was a natural at throwing, catching, and hitting. He first played as a pitcher and shortstop. But by age eight, he knew he wanted to be a catcher. He grew up playing baseball with and against another future MLB star from Venezuela, Jose Altuve.
Professional Baseball Career
Minor Leagues
When he was just 16, Perez signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals. He moved to the United States in 2007 to start his career in the minor leagues. He played for several teams, including the Burlington Bees and the Wilmington Blue Rocks. He quickly improved and moved up through the different levels of the minor leagues.
Kansas City Royals
First Years in the MLB (2011–2012)
Perez was called up to the major leagues on August 10, 2011. In his first game, he impressed everyone with his strong defense. He hit his first MLB home run later that month against star pitcher Max Scherzer.
In 2012, he signed a long-term contract with the Royals. Unfortunately, he injured his knee during spring training and missed the first part of the season. He returned in July and had a great season, hitting .301 with 11 home runs.
Becoming an All-Star (2013–2014)
By 2013, Perez was one of the best catchers in the league. He was chosen for his first All-Star Game. After the season, he won his first Gold Glove Award, which is given to the best defensive player at each position.
In 2014, he played in 150 games, more than any other catcher in the major leagues. He helped lead the Royals to the playoffs. In the Wild Card Game, he got the game-winning hit in the 12th inning. The Royals made it to the 2014 World Series, but lost to the San Francisco Giants.
World Series Champion (2015)
In 2015, Perez was voted to be the starting catcher in the All-Star Game. He had another strong season, hitting 21 home runs and winning his third Gold Glove Award.
The Royals returned to the 2015 World Series, and this time they won. Perez was a hero in the final game. His hit in the 12th inning started the rally that won the championship for Kansas City. For his amazing performance, he was named the World Series MVP.
Awards and Injuries (2016–2020)
From 2016 to 2018, Perez continued to be a top player. He won more Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards, which are given to the best offensive players. In 2018, he hit two grand slams in one season.
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Sadly, Perez injured his elbow before the 2019 season and needed surgery. This type of surgery is called Tommy John surgery, and it caused him to miss the entire year.
He returned in 2020 for a season that was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. He played great, hitting .333 with 11 home runs in just 37 games. He won the AL Comeback Player of the Year award and his third Silver Slugger Award.
Record-Breaking Season (2021)
In 2021, Perez had the best season of his career. He signed a new four-year, $82 million contract, the largest in Royals history at the time.
He hit 48 home runs, which tied for the most in all of MLB that year. This also set a new record for the most home runs by a primary catcher in a single season, breaking a record held by Hall of Famer Johnny Bench since 1970. Perez also led the league with 121 RBIs. He won his fourth Silver Slugger Award for his incredible hitting.
Recent Years and Team Captain (2022–Present)
Perez dealt with a thumb injury in 2022 but still managed to hit 23 home runs. In 2023, the Royals honored him by naming him the fourth team captain in their history.
In 2024, Perez reached two major milestones. He hit his 250th career home run and got his 1,500th career hit. He continued to be a leader for the Royals, winning his fifth Silver Slugger award. In 2025, he hit his 276th home run, moving him into fifth place for the most home runs by a catcher in the American League.
Personal Life
Perez lives with his wife, Maria Gabriela, and their three children. In 2020, he became a U.S. citizen.
He is known for his fun personality. He often playfully teases his teammates on social media. He is also famous for giving his teammates a "Salvy Splash," which is a Gatorade shower after big wins.
Perez has a unique good-luck habit: he wears perfume or cologne during games. This started in 2013 when a teammate sprayed him with perfume, and he got four hits in the game that day. He has continued the tradition ever since.
See also
In Spanish: Salvador Pérez para niños
- Kansas City Royals award winners and league leaders
- List of Kansas City Royals team records
- List of Major League Baseball career games played as a catcher leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball annual runs batted in leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a catcher leaders
- List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders
- List of Major League Baseball players from Venezuela
