March 23--GLENDALE, Ariz. -- White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu still finds it difficult to speak about his journey from Cuba in 2013 in order to begin his life as a Major League Baseball player.
The Tribune reported in November that Abreu left Cuba on a small, two-motor boat, risking his life among large waves and other boats to make it to Haiti, where he established residency before making his way to the U.S.
Abreu declined to discuss the journey then, but in its April issue, Chicago Magazine has Abreu's first comment about the trip, which he reportedly made with his fianc饬 his parents, his sister and her husband.
"It was dangerous," Abreu told the magazine. "The waves were high, but the Lord was at our side. God gave us the chance to reach our destination."
Two weeks before opening day, at his spring training locker at Camelback Ranch on Monday, Abreu wasn't much up for recapping the voyage with a small group of reporters.
"I don't feel very comfortable talking about my journey from Cuba to the United States," Abreu said through a team interpreter. "It's very sensitive, and I don't want to remember that."
Abreu would, however, talk about his greater comfort this spring having his parents settled in the U.S. after arriving last May.
"It's completely different because my family is here," Abreu said. "For me, my family is everything. To be able to get them here is awesome for me. It makes everything easier for me around the team and around my life because I have their support."
Abreu's increased ease overall in spring training is evident, which he attributes to feeling healthy and knowing and understanding his coaches and teammates better. He has gone 15-for-31 with two doubles, six RBIs and five runs scored. Having a pair of new friends -- Melky Cabrera and Emilio Bonifacio -- appears to help too.
"(My relationship with Cabrera) is a very full relationship," Abreu said. "I'm glad to have not just Melky, but Boni also. They are very good teammates, and we're good friends."
