By: José de Jesus Ortiz, Founder & Editor in Chief / March 1, 2024

HOUSTON – After a long shift painting homes, Fidel Ulloa Sr. would often take side projects to supplement his income. The Mexican immigrant from the state of Nayarit would usually arrive at his Lodi, Calif., home long after his wife and three boys ate dinner. 

At times, Ulloa would get home at 7 p.m. Other times he wouldn't arrive until 9 p.m. His work clothes were often dotted in paint, different hues dotting his hair and arms, representing an honest day's work.

"Look at me," Ulloa would say in Spanish to his oldest boy Fidel Jr., a junior reliever at LSU. "Try hard in sports and your studies so you don't have to work like this."

"Echale ganas!" Ulloa would say, uttering a popular Spanish encouragement among Mexicans urging their kids to give their best.

Fidel Ulloa Jr., who is at Minute Maid Park with LSU this weekend for the Astros Foundation's College Classic, listened to his dad. More importantly, Fidel Jr. has capitalized on the lessons he learned from his parents, Fidel Sr. and Norma Ceja.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound righthander from Lodi has embraced the responsibility of building on his parents' sacrifices. He welcomes the opportunity to serve as an example for his two younger brothers, Juan, 17, and Nicolas, 6. 

FULL ARTICLE: Fidel Ulloa fulfills Mexican dad's dream at LSU - Our Esquina