A little more than a decade ago, René Rivera received a phone call from a fellow Puerto Rican named Victor Caratini Espada. Caratini Espada, who had been connected through a mutual friend, sought assistance for a member of his household. His son, Victor Caratini, was a high school infielder learning a new position.
Rivera obliged. Soon, Caratini found himself getting pointers from a professional catcher. The education took.
“He was a natural,” Rivera said. “He picked it up quick.”
Several years later, Rivera and Caratini found themselves catching for the same team, the Chicago Cubs. Last December, Caratini landed in the same city where Rivera went from career journeyman to major-league regular. So far in San Diego, the younger man has experienced a similar rise to recognition.
