Orange County Q&A: Jose Mota
Jose Mota cannot be missed, if you’re an Angels fan. He is as versatile as a broadcaster can get, having done radio and television in both English and Spanish since he first joined the club’s broadcast team in 2002.
One of eight children of former Dodger and Dominican Republic legend Manny Mota, Jose Mota practically grew up at Dodger Stadium, spending his childhood summers in Southern California each year before returning home to the Dominican every fall to go back to school.
He was a good baseball player in his own right, earning All-America honors twice while playing at Cal State Fullerton, and helping the Titans to the College World Series title in 1984. And Mota, now 50, got his cup of coffee in the big leagues, playing in 17 games for the San Diego Padres in 1991 and two games for the Kansas City Royals in 1995.
It was his decision to go back to school and earn his degree in communications while still playing baseball professionally that led him to his current role as a broadcaster and unofficial mentor/confidant to many of the Angels’ Latino players.
He recently sat down with us in Anaheim to answer a few questions about his career in baseball.
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Question: What was it like being the son of Manny Mota, not only a major leaguer, but also a hero in your home country of the Dominican Republic?
Mota: We were extremely fortunate, blessed, to have the ability as youngsters to experience two cultures. It gave us the opportunity to appreciate more what we had because so many people in the Dominican were not as fortunate. And coming to the United States allowed us to help people in the Dominican.
It also provided the opportunity for us to expand our education. My mom and dad had elementary school education and with the experiences we had here, my mom and dad kept saying, “Education is No. 1. You might become a ballplayer someday but you’ve got to go to school, you’ve got to get your degree.” It paid off.
Q: How do you reflect on your baseball career as a college All-American, a second-round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox and all of 19 major league games?
Mota: For my career, I always look at where I’m at now, and how fortunate I am to do what I’m doing. If I had played 15 years in the major leagues, I probably wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing. You can look back and say, “Only if I had done this or done that, I could have played more in the big leagues,” but I don’t look at it that way. God has a plan, and that was my preparation for doing what I’m doing right now.
(My favorite baseball moment) is tied to my son’s second birthday. I had only two RBIs in the big leagues, and those two RBIs came on the same day (May 30, 1991), my son’s second birthday. It was a day I’ll never forget.”
Q: Your “official” job is broadcaster, but over the years you have also become a counselor to many of the Angels’ Latin players, including Vladimir Guerrero and Bartolo Colon. How did that come about?
Mota: Ramon Ortiz, (Kelvim) Escobar, Jose Guillen, all those guys, Erick Aybar. It was a natural transition. I saw how Latin players struggled with so many things off the field, so I started approaching guys. I saw my dad do it with the Dodgers, from the days of Henry Cruz and Pete Guerrero. I saw it happen for so many years, it was kind of natural to help people. That, and implementing the Sunday chapels, was important to me too.
The guys trust me and I appreciate their confidence in me. Even the organization’s confidence in me to address something with a player. I enjoy it, it’s about helping people, it’s about understanding what they’re going through. And with Mike Scioscia, he made it easy. I’ve known him since I was 14 years old. He said, “If you could help me with a guy or two …” My dad helped Scioscia out, so it’s kind of gone full circle. With (owner) Arte (Moreno) and the Disney people when they were here, they’ve given me a chance to grow and expand and help them out. I’m truly blessed. It doesn’t feel like a job.
Q: What do the 2015 Angels need to do to be successful?
Mota: It all starts with pitching. It 2013, the starters’ ERA was 4.30; last year, it dropped to 3.6. That’s where it all starts, and then we can talk about the offense. When the offense always has to play from behind, it’s not going to produce, you start trying too hard. This team needs to be as balanced as anything.
The offense is going to have to manufacture (runs) a little bit more. There’s enough experience and speed. You have guys like (Kole) Calhoun, (Mike) Trout, (Erick) Aybar, who can go out and steal a base for you. (Johnny) Giavotella. Those guys need to perform a little bit better and give Scioscia some options. If Scioscia has options, he’s a different type (of) manager. This year, they’re going to have to be a little more creative on the offensive side.
But as you know, you have to pitch to win.