Jeremy Peña — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

Jeremy Peña — 22 Who Made a Difference in 2022

It was one of the best feel-good stories of 2022 — that was years in the making. 

Jeremey Peña had moved to Rhode Island from the Dominican Republic, played Little League in Providence, and attended Classical High School -- the state's best public high school.

He was recruited to play at the University of Maine — a school that has produced more than two dozen Major Leaguers. The Peña dream would have been complete with a great D-I experience, but he took the dream to the next level and was a third-round pick in the MLB draft.

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Just four years later, as a rookie, he led, and unequivocally led, the Houston Astros to a World Series victory in 2022 — and was named both ACLS and World Series MVP.

Peña returned to Providence in November, where he received a more-than-deserved hometown hero’s welcome. Frank Capra could not have made a better movie. He is a reminder that the American Dream is alive and well in Rhode Island.

With hopefully many years ahead of him in his young career, he is an example to young Rhode Islanders that talent — coupled with hard work — can lead to great things. 

Peña’s success in 2022 was a huge source of pride for Rhode Islanders. We wish him well and look forward to more accolades to come.