When Robinson Cano inked a deal with Roc Nation Sports late last year, he was making a cool $15 million dollars a year with the New York Yankees, the team he made his MLB debut with back in 2005.
But now, with the help of Jay Z, he’s almost doubled his yearly salary with a 10-year $240 million contract–the fourth largest one in major league history–playing with the Seattle Mariners. That’s what we’d like to call a grand slam.
GQ Magazine met up with the All-Star second baseman at his Dominican Republic home, where he talked about his memorable moments as a Yankee, joining la familia with Hov, and growing up with baseball “in the blood.”
Catch some excerpts from his interview before the April issue hits stands April 1.
On the Yankees:
“It’s like growing up playing in your backyard. You never want to leave that place, those guys. The three high points as a Yankee for me: when Jeter got 3,000 hits, Andy’s last game, and Mariano’s final ceremony. Those are the things that stick in your mind, in your heart.”
On joining Roc Nation Sports:
“I just wanted someone who would be there after the deal, who’d treat me less like a job and more like family.”
On growing up in San Pedro:
“My grandma used to pitch to me. Hit rocks with a broomstick. Grew up in a family that was baseball—and, you know, I was good.”
SOURCE: GQ | PHOTO CREDIT: Arnaud Pyvka
