Johan Santana

About Johan Santana

Johan Alexander Santana (pronounced [joʊɦən santʰənə] born March 13, 1979 in Tovar, Mérida State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher who plays for the New York Mets. As a two-time Cy Young Award winner, Santana has established himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. His repertoire includes 91-95 mph fastball along with a circle changeup, considered by many to be one of the best changeups in baseball.

Santana is the second of five children. Johan attended Liceo Jose Nucete Sardi High School, where he played center field. He and his wife, Yasmile, whom he has known since he was 9 years old, have two daughters, Jasmily and Jasmine.

In the off-season, Santana is an active member of his hometown community. In 2006, he started The Johan Santana Foundation to provide assistance to hospitals and bought new gloves and bats for children in surrounding areas. Also in 2006, Santana, as well as the Minnesota Twins, purchased a yellow firetruck for Tovar's fire department. Santana has held a party the past two offseasons called El Cy Youngazo (the Great Cy Young) which includes a toy drive, musical groups, and beer from Santana's sponsor, Regional. Proceeds from Johan's charity wine, Santana's Select, also support his foundation in entirety.