He just won the Home Run Derby and leads the Division 1 regular season batting stats. Baseball TV France caught up with a catcher and key player for the Savigny Lions.
BTVF: Who are you, Ivan Acuna?
I.A.: I’m from Guarenas, Venezuela, I’m 28 years old and I’ve been playing since I was three. I’ve always been a versatile player, I started my career as a shortstop, but I’ve always been able to adapt. Until I was 16, I played catcher. When I arrived in the United States, I played everywhere.
BTVF: You completed your education in the USA and in NCAA baseball. How did that go for you, and what advice would you give to a young French player aiming for the same path?
I.A.: My career in the United States began in my senior year of high school, then I went to JUCO at Catawba Valley Community College where I spent two years. After that, I went to Winston Salem State University where I played my last two years. It was a big step for my baseball and academic career. I loved every minute. For young players who might want to do the same, two things: first, you really need to make sure you enjoy the improvement process, because 75% of baseball is training (weightlifting, coordination, defense, hitting) to improve as a player. And second, you need to be able to adjust and manage your time efficiently to accomplish all the tasks of school and baseball.
BTVF: In 2019, you joined the Savigny Lions, where you still play as a catcher. The club’s ambitions keep growing every year. You just experienced the European Cup. How do you see your future with this club?
I.A.: I hope to continue helping the team in every way possible on and off the field.
BTVF: In 2021, you participated in the World Baseball Classic. How was that tournament as a member of the French national team?
I.A.: It was a truly fantastic experience, I loved every moment. I tried to really wear the uniform and show that even though I’m Venezuelan, I wore the French jersey with love and pride.
BTVF: The regular season in Division 1 is about to end, with two big clashes against Sénart and Montpellier still to come. Anything is possible in this pool among your three teams. How do you hope to secure a spot in the playoffs?
I.A.: I hope we can secure one of the playoff spots. We need to keep playing hard and doing the little things to win these remaining games.
BTVF: You’re leading the stats in home runs and just won the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. How do you feel about being the top hitter in France?
I.A.: I wouldn’t call myself the best hitter in France in any way. I just try to reach my goals by having a plan of what I want to do and then executing it. Plus, I don’t consider myself a home run hitter, I try to hit line drives and home runs are good accidents.
BTVF: What can we wish you?
I.A.: It’s up to you. I hope you continue to develop what you’re doing with Baseball TV France, it’s a great project to promote the game here in France. I wish you all the success in achieving your goal of getting more people interested in baseball in France and Europe.
Photo credits: Glenn Gervot, Corentin Bougon and Delphine Dahan
