Santander learning more about Bonilla as they find common ground through the air

Anthony Santander admits that he knows nothing about Bobby Bonilla’s playing days and how their Orioles careers intersected over the weekend.

“I just heard about his contract,” Santander said, laughing. “I want his agent.”

The Mets owe Bonilla $1,193,248.20 every July 1 through 2035, when he’s 72-years-old, as part of their agreement on deferred money after releasing him following the 1999 season. Bonilla’s agent, Dennis Gilbert, possessed the contract until it sold at auction last month.

Bonilla played for the Orioles for 1 ½ seasons, beginning on July 28, 1995 when they acquired him from the Mets for outfielders Damon Buford and Alex Ochoa. He amassed 28 home runs in 1996, and no Orioles switch-hitter reached 25 since then until Santander on Saturday.

This is where they are joined together. Santander took my word for it.

“I was 2-years-old at that time,” he said. “I don’t know about his career, but that’s pretty cool.

“Not since 1996. That’s a long time ago, so that’s good. I’m proud of myself.”

Santander smiled again, enjoying a one-on-one conversation in English, with team interpreter Brandon Quinones staying close but also silent.

Santander is the sixth switch-hitter to reach the mark with the Orioles. He also joins Eddie Murray, Ken Singleton, Mickey Tettleton and Mike Young.

Murray did it 10 times, which left Santander shaking his head.

“Wow,” he said. “We’re talking about a Hall of Famer. You have to be consistent in a hard game. I have respect for that.”

The 25 homers already were a career-high for Santander, and he hit his 26^th and 27^th yesterday in Game 1, the first ball touching down on Eutaw Street. But so are his 46 walks, and it isn’t close. He drew 23 last season in 110 games.

“I’m most proud of the walks because that helps me more to crush the ball, you know?” said Santander, who also intersected with Roberto Alomar yesterday by becoming the first Orioles player to homer from both sides of the plate twice in the same season since the former All-Star second baseman in 1996.

“If you’ve got more discipline, I can walk more so I can swing and do damage with my pitch. So, I think that’s a big part of the success I’ve been having this year.”

Santander appreciates the work done by co-hitting coaches Ryan Fuller and Matt Borgschulte. The techniques implemented this year. The drills using balls that simulate the action they can expect from the starter.

“Means a lot, means a lot, especially with their philosophy,” he said. “They work with the machines, also, but I call them machines because they have to throw a lot. It’s easier for us before the game to practice seeing breaking balls and doing like a live AB. We go into the game more prepared, ready to go.

“Like, if you’re looking for a fastball and you recognize an off-speed, you take it. All the little things before the game has been part of my success this year.”

There’s no stronger support system than the one provided by his parents, Roger and Yoleida. You’ll find them in the stands at Camden Yards every day or night, high-fiving and hugging after a big hit, and they always wait for him on a bench outside the clubhouse. Roger sat one night and smiled while watching the replay on his phone of Santander’s walk-off single on Aug. 25, holding it close so he could hear the call on MASN.

They’ve been on the road – I’ve seen them on my flights multiple times this season – and they stay with Santander at his downtown residence during the season.

“They come to every game. It doesn’t matter if it’s a doubleheader or three games, they will be at the field,” he said.

“For some road trips, too. If they haven’t gone to that field, I would like to take them so they can know the field, they can cheer for the team. Not only me, but they’re cheering for the Orioles.

“It’s meant a lot. My mom and dad have been with me since I was a little kid, doing everything possible for me to be able to play baseball. And now that I’m here in the big leagues, I like them to be part of that success.”

Santander arranged extensions for their visas that allow them to remain here for a longer period. He’ll stay with them in Venezuela during the off-season, but also host them at his house in Miami.

“I think maybe when I get married, if they’re going to come to visit, they’ve got to stay at my house,” he said. “There’s no point in coming here and staying on the other side.”

Remaining close to his parents also allows him to feast on Yoleida’s cooking, which he does a lot and with tremendous enthusiasm.

“I have to be careful,” he said, spreading his arms, “because I get big with her food.”

Arepas are his biggest weakness. The stuffed cornmeal cakes that are a South American staple.

He could set a career high in the number consumed this winter.

“I can eat arepas whenever, in the morning and at night,” he said. “She knows my favorites.”