from WCW Magazine December 1998
There’s a special father-son bond
that shines through at a baseball game. Especially if it’s a Major League
Baseball game. The National Pastime, complete with hotdogs and peanuts, brings
guys together. The cheering. The boos. The beer vendors walking in your way.
As a youngster, before he wore his mystical mask for the first time, young
Rey Mysterio, Jr., went to the San Diego Padres games with his dad (Roberto).
Mysterio’s three brothers often went as well, especially Lalo, the oldest
and most devout baseball buff.
Late this past season, Rey Mysterio, Jr. returned the favor to Roberto,
then introduced young Dominik, Rey’s son, to the father-son magic of baseball.
Father(s) and son(s) Mysterio visited the Padres, with WCW’s Mysterio guiding
the tour through the underbelly of San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, introducing
his dad and his son to the team members.
“I’ve been going to the games as a fan for so many years,” Mysterio said.
“It was cool being in the locker room with the team, just hanging out. It
was kind of cool that they watch wrestling, that they actually knew me. Not
only that they knew me, but that their sons knew me.”
The tradition continues.
Mysterio posed for pictures with the Padres, then signed autographs. He
also spoke to slugger Greg Vaughn’s son on a cellular phone, per Vaughn’s
request.
“Being in the dugout and just being able to chit-chat with the guys... that
was awesome,” Mysterio said. “There are so many mainstream people, from actors
to athletes to everyone in between, who are into wrestling. That’s kinds cool.
So many of the players told me that they watch wrestling on TV. Then, to
hear then say ‘Yeah, I watch you on TV.’ That’s pretty rad.”
Mysterio’s ballpark adventure included a hotdog, turkey sandwich, nachos,
peanuts and a cold brew. But no foul ball.
“I have many fond memories of going to games as a kid, (like) bringing my
glove just hoping I’d catch a foul ball,” Mysterio said. “When Dominik went
to the game, I enjoyed the way he was in to the sport. The fans would stand
and cheer after a hit, and he’d do the same. It’s fun, even though he really
doesn’t understand the sport.”
Dominik, born April 5, 1997, also has been introduced to pro wrestling.
Sort of. In September, Mysterio took his young son into a Tijuana wrestling
ring, his first steps inside a squared circle. Dominik sported his own Rey
Mysterio, Jr. mask and tights, which he wore last Halloween.
“It’s exciting to see him in that outfit,” Mysterio said. “When wrestling
is on, he’ll say ‘lucha’ or see my mask and say ‘papa.’ That’s cool. I hope
when he grows up he’ll understand the true meaning of wrestling, even if he
doesn’t want to be a wrestler.
“That’s was a special moment, being in a ring with him for the very first
time.”
Although the two often wrestle at their San Diego home, young Dominik was
scared when he saw his dad wearing his mask. So how does Rey silence Dominik’s
cries of fear? With candy, of course.
“I love to be around Dominik, and try to be around him as much as possible.
Whether it’s cooking breakfast for him or watching cartoons with him, I love
the time we spend together.” Mysterio said.