Mexico always top of mind for Tigers' Soria

Joakim Soria, RHP, Tigers
Hometown: Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico

On Dec. 9, 2006, Joakim Soria tossed the third perfect game in the history of the Mexican Pacific League. Eventually becoming an All-Star closer in the Majors, Soria's journey began in Coahuila, a Mexican state bordering Texas.

Soria's homeland is always close to his heart, as evidenced by his choice to drop a nickname that was given to him 2008, while he was with the Royals. Called the "Mexicutioner," Soria said in 2011 that he didn't "want to add more negativity to my country when it is looking for positives," as violence in Mexico was escalating.

As far as new nicknames, Soria said he was fine being known as "Joakim."

"It is great if the fans would like to put a nickname on me, and I always appreciate them, but as long as it's not negative," he said. "I want to show my support for Mexico and I want things to get better there."