When the Miami Marlins acquired shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria in the 2012 blockbuster trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, the organization saw him as the club's long-term shortstop.
Since, Hechavarria has played in 235 games. This year, his average has gone up nearly 50 points to .272.
His defensive plays, which frequent the highlight reel, are typical of him.
Recently, FOX Sports Florida's Christina De Nicola learned the origin of "uuff" and practiced her Spanglish through a translator with Hechavarria, whom you can follow on Instagram (@Adeiny11).
FOX SPORTS FLORIDA: What is the origin of "uuff"?
ADEINY HECHAVARRIA: It started back in Cuba. It doesn't have to do specifically with baseball. We'll use it in baseball if there's a nice play, but it goes off the field too. If you see a nice car or a pretty lady it's just 'uuff.' When I came over to the States I brought it with me and brought it here in the clubhouse. I used it anytime I would post a picture and it caught on with the fans and they would post it themselves as well.
FSF: Where do you get your defensive ability from?
HECHAVARRIA: It was just made with me. I've had it since I was little.
FSF: What's the first English word you learned?
HECHAVARRIA: (laughs) It's a word I cannot repeat.
FSF: There are all these Cuban players like Jose Abreu or Aroldis Chapman who receive so much more fanfare. Is that something you take with a chip on your shoulder?
HECHAVARRIA: I don't worry about any of that. I just go out there and take care of business, do my best. I can't worry about how many fans I have or how other Cuban players get treated by fans.
FSF: Is there a play or something you've taken the most pride in so far as a big leaguer?
HECHAVARRIA: I can't think of an exact play it's just any special play I make I hold with me. There's no one particular play that stands out.
You can follow Christina De Nicola on Twitter @CDeNicola13 or email her at cdenicola13@gmail.com.
