Carlos Santana

“Tal padre, tal figlio” (Like father, like son) but mother is always the heartbeat of the Italian Reggae Family

Roberto AngottiLeave a comment

I-love-my-italian-family Italian proverbs are an integral part of our culture, traditions and history. Proverbs teach us all valuable lessons and values as we learn the many aspects that make up our cultural identity. Family is a prominent theme in Italian proverbs. In honor of Father’s Day, we showcase: “Tal padre, tal figlio“, which expresses the significance of family since it is of utmost importance in Italian culture. We love strong family ties, and we honor all family obligations. The family is the anchor of the Italian social structure as we help one another unconditionally.

34beeb1f471918f0439ece0398a938acFamily values are still the fabric of Italian society, and the Italian family has remained a tightly-knit social unit. Whether married, single or divorced, all Italians maintain very strong links with their parents, adult children, and other family relatives. It is not uncommon to find three generations sharing housing arrangements where grandchildren live with their grandparents. Even if they do not share a home, extended families may eat lunch or dinner together every day. Elderly parents are respected and looked after, sometimes on a daily basis, whether they live at home with their children or live independently.italian_proverb_1 The mother remains the dominant figure in the Italian home as she usually controls every aspect of domestic life. Some may believe Italian mothers go above and beyond to please every member of the family, especially if she is a working mother. However, it is the mother who keeps the family together while creating and maintaining the familial links. She is the vital bond that unites all family members, who in turn can be relied upon when mother needs help most. The important role of loving Italian mother, homemaker and educator is worthy of respect and praise. rasta-reggae-music-hits-1-l-280x280 There are many parallels between the philosophies of the Italian family and reggae music, both of which promote the teaching of peace, love and unity to all. Before we begin any activity in life, iconic rock star Carlos Santana believes that we must always ask: “How is this going to make the world a better place?” Those fortunate enough to have been blessed with an Italian upbringing have the opportunity to continue with the cultural and family traditions passed on from past generations. It is our duty as parents and grandparents to instill the morals, ethics and values taught to us by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to live up to the reggae message of Italian-born Alborosie.

Chinese Taipei/Indians prospect Chun-Hsiu Chen under watchful eye of MLB in 2011 Taiwan Series

Roberto Angotti4 Comments

Performing slightly behind Chinese Taipei national teammate and Red Sox prospect Che-Hsuan Lin in the recently played five game 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series against the MLB All-Stars, Cleveland Indians top ten prospect Chun-Hsiu Chen hit .250 (4 for 16) with a double, RBI and two runs scored. Switching off between duties behind the plate as catcher and designated hitter for the Chinese-Taipei national team, the Taiwanese-born 23-year old Chen was on a tight leash held cautiously by Cleveland Indians scouting operations assistant Jason Lynn, who monitored his use in the exhibition series and kept an eye out for emerging talent. Protecting his team’s prized jewel, Lynn explained: “He’s an important player for us. Certainly there’s some development left for him, but I think he’s got a pretty promising future ahead of him if he continues to get better.”

With the much publicized early 2011 season-ending injury to San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and the similar fate suffered in 2010 to Indians backstop Carlos Santana after plummeting collisions at the plate, Cleveland had every right to be concerned about Chen’s safety. In fact, Chun-Hsiu Chen’s imminent rise to join the ranks in the Major Leagues is a form of protection for Cleveland Indians everyday catcher Carlos Santana, who also saw his share of appearances as designated hitter and first baseman this past season. Promoting Chen as Santana’s backup and MLB teammate would increase the longevity of both players over the course of their careers.

Signed by the Indians as a high-profile free agent in September 2007, Chen was originally a third baseman and pitcher in Taiwan. Converted to a catcher for his powerful arm since then, Chun-Hsiu Chen quickly took to the position as demonstrated by his 37% success rate in throwing out potential base stealers in 2010. Ascending up the Single-A/Advanced ranks with an impressive .315 batting average, Chen fast became a breakout player in the Cleveland organization and finished second in batting in the Indians farm system. Named to the 2010 Futures All-Star Game, Chun-Hsiu Chen was promoted to Double-A Akron in 2011.

Driving in 70 runs and setting a record for an Indians catcher with his 16 home runs, Chen racked up enough power numbers to be selected to represent the West Division in the 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game. Recently chosen as Indians Prospect Insider.com Hitter of the Year, one could certainly make a case for Chen’s immediate promotion to AAA Columbus next year. However, should Chun-Hsiu Chen continue to pulverize Minor League pitching, it won’t be too long before we see him calling games for the likes of Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson at Progressive Field in Cleveland.