After having a rocky start to the season, the Houston Astros have firmly put themselves in the playoff picture. But as the MLB Draft nears, some of their players have paid attention to a young Ugandan prospect. Two of the Astros’ starting players recently endorsed Kasumba Dennis as he appears in the MLB Draft League. 

It has been a long road for the 19-year-old Ugandan baseball player as he fought to pursue a baseball career. He grew up a poor orphan but has battled with odds stacked against him. Now, his dream seems closer than ever with these two Astros stars supporting him. 

Houston Astros star Martin Maldonado gifts Dennis new catching gear

Kasumba Dennis gained notoriety for his baseball practice videos. The Ugandan catcher did drills without even the most basic equipment. But the 19-year-old persevered and is now playing in the MLB Draft League. Most recently, Astros catcher Martin Maldonado gifted Dennis a set of brand-new catcher’s gear to use. His teammate Alex Bregman highlighted the moment by sharing an Instagram Post by Front Office Sports in his Instagram Story. 

In the Instagram Post, Front Office Sports said, “When Kasumba arrived, he had a gift waiting for him: a new set of catcher’s gear from Astros catcher Martin Maldonado.” This is a massive gesture from the Astros catcher, as he supports Dennis on his journey. But his 2-time World Series-winning teammate Bregman also had a hand in it. Moreover, the sports analyst, Ben Verlander, gave him a chance to come to the USA.

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Kasumba Dennis almost lost his chance to come to the USA

The Ugandan catcher has worked extremely hard to get here. Verlander fought for Dennis to get a visa and be able to travel for the ongoing Draft League. Furthermore, before the visa came through, it seemed as if the Dennis’ hopes may have been dashed. 

Upon his initial application for a visa, Kasumba Dennis was rejected. This was because of his status as an orphan and having fewer reasons to go back to Uganda. But Verlander, along with several others, spoke in favor of Dennis and his visa eventually came through. Now, the Ugandan catcher is playing in the MLB Draft League and aiming for a college or MLB team to sign him. 

What do you think of Houston Astros players Martin Maldonado and Alex Bregman’s actions? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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