Happy birthday to the GOAT – Pablo Sanchez from Backyard Baseball

On this day, a legend was created. Today, we celebrate the birthday of the Greatest Of All Time – Pablo Sanchez of Backyard Baseball.

Imagine, if you will, a player that was essentially a combination of Mike Trout, 2001 Barry Bonds, and Walter Johnson. Then imagine that his appearance does not give any hint as to his ability – he is short and pudgy, his shirt unable to cover his stomach and his bat nearly as big as he is. That was Pablo Sanchez, the legend of Backyard Baseball.

According to his player card, Sanchez was born on August 18. He did not speak any English, but fortunately, the language of baseball is universal. No matter the language, it was clear that Sanchez could do it all – hit for power, run like a gazelle, and catch anything. Then, when he was on the mound, he was nearly unhittable.

His nickname, The Secret Weapon, was laughable. As Backyard Baseball became a cult classic, Sanchez only grew in stature. He was not a secret to anyone any longer.

But Sanchez was designed to be overlooked. He was modeled after a player in the original Bad News Bears – a small Spanish speaking kid who never really played. The developers, Rich Moe and Mark Peyser, wondered about that child. What if, in the end, that kid was really the best player on the team and no one realized it?

And so, Sanchez was born. He was designed specifically to be overlooked, the type of kid that might be picked last in gym class. At least, that was until he was given the chance to play. Then the secret was out and his greatness was recognized.

That was the case with Sanchez. He could turn a single into a triple. Sanchez was an excellent shortstop and a fearsome hitter. On the mound, his command was a bit spotty, but he had a tremendous fastball and was a perfect option as a closer. Even in the sequel, when younger versions of major leaguers were added, Sanchez remained a star.

Happy birthday to Pablo Sanchez – the Greatest of all Time and the star of Backyard Baseball.