A few days ago, the Lebanese Center in Mexico City hosted the presentation of Live and die playing baseball. In search of more championshipsthe autobiographical book ofand Alfredo Harp Helúphilanthropist, businessman and promoter of Mexican sports.
The evening began with an Arabic dance show, accompanied by live rhythms that evoked the Lebanese roots of the 80-year-old businessman. To the rhythm of the derbake, attendees were transported to a celebration that mixed tradition, culture and sport, a reflection of their multifaceted career.
Alfredo Harp Helú with his family / Photo: Karen Armenta
The event stood out for its cultural richness and its notable list of guests, who gathered to accompany the author on this special occasion. From his wife María Isabel Grañén Porrúahis children, Charbel, Guerrilla Harp y Santiago Harp Grañén who proudly shared this chapter of their lives.
Read also: Alfredo Harp Helú recognized with Honoris Causa Doctorate by the IPN
The renowned sports writer Toño de Valdés also attended, as well as Sami NmeirLebanese ambassador to Mexico, who highlighted the way in which the businessman has built bridges between his Lebanese roots and his impact on the Mexican community.
In his speech, Daniel Karampresident of the Lebanese Center, offered a speech that summarized Harp Helú’s legacy as a businessman and benefactor. “Alfredo Harp is not only an example of business success, but also of how social commitment can transform lives,” said Daniel Karam.
Daniel Karam and Sami Nmeir / Photo: Karen Armenta
Immediately, the businessman took the microphone to explain that his book is not only about baseball, but about life itself. From his childhood in Oaxaca, where a simple ball was his only toy, to his leadership as owner of the Red Devils of Mexico, the philanthropist found in baseball a metaphor to understand the importance of effort, teamwork and resilience.
“Baseball teaches that every play counts, that every sacrifice adds up and that victories are not individual, but collective,” commented Alfredo Harp Helú, 80 years old.
In its pages, the businessman tells how baseball helped him overcome personal and professional challenges. From his beginnings as a Public Accountant at UNAM until his foray into the stock market world, the businessman always maintained the philosophy that perseverance and honesty are key to achieving success.
His connection to his Lebanese roots also takes center stage in the book, with memories of his grandfather, a merchant who worked with nothing more than the word of his customers as collateral.
Alfredo Harp Helú at the presentation of his book / Photo: Karen Armenta
Likewise, during the event, he shared that his foundations have allocated more than 10 billion pesos to education, culture and sports projects. Every year, its initiatives grant more than 100 thousand scholarships to students from institutions such as UNAM, the Polytechnic and La Salle. In addition, it has promoted the construction of mobile libraries in Oaxaca and the modernization of the Luis Enrique Erro Planetarium, leaving a tangible legacy in multiple areas of our country.
The book also dedicates a chapter to his experiences with the Diablos Rojos del México, a team he acquired in 1994 and which he has led to win multiple championships. The philanthropist described how the construction of the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, inaugurated in 2019, was a dream come true, not only as a space for sports, but also as a symbol of his love for Mexico.
“Baseball is more than a game, it is a way of life that teaches discipline, respect and teamwork,” he said.
Between personal anecdotes and reflections, the businessman also highlighted how the passage of time reaffirmed his desire to continue helping: “To my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I have only left one mission: to work for the common good and contribute to a better world.” , he declared.
Alfredo Harp Helú with his wife Isabel Grañén Porrúa / Photo: Karen Armenta
In a passage of the book, the businessman reflects on the immensity of the universe and the smallness of human actions, but insists on the importance of continuing to act. “What I do for Mexico and Oaxaca may seem insignificant, but it is my way of contributing something to this world.”
On the other hand, throughout the presentation, the businessman offered an emotional tribute to Isabel Grañén Porrúa, his wife and fundamental pillar in his life. In his words, Isabel is not only his partner, she is also his greatest inspiration to overcome challenges and build a legacy together.
Isabel Grañén Porrúa / Photo: Karen Armenta
“I conquered her with songs, and since then we have shared dreams, projects and an unwavering passion for life and philanthropy,” he said moved.
The event concluded with a warm ovation from the attendees, who celebrated not only the launch of the book, but also the example of life it represents. Alfredo Harp Helú. In his final words, the businessman recalled: “Life, like baseball, is a game that requires passion, effort and perseverance.”
Read also: Who is Alfredo Harp Helú, the Mexican businessman who is celebrating his 80th birthday?
How do cultural celebrations like the one honoring Alfredo Harp Helú strengthen community ties and promote awareness of diverse heritages in Mexico?
Can you tell us about the importance of cultural celebrations like the one held at the Lebanese Center in Mexico City to honor Alfredo Harp Helú? How did it reflect his multifaceted career and his Lebanese roots?
What inspired Alfredo Harp Helú to write his autobiographical book, “Live and die playing baseball,” and what were some of the life lessons he hoped to share with his readers through this process?
Alfredo Harp Helú has had a significant impact on Mexican sports and philanthropy. Can you discuss how his involvement with the Diablos Rojos del México and the construction of the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium has contributed to the development of sports in Mexico?
As a successful businessman and philanthropist, Alfredo Harp Helú has been involved in various projects that have left a lasting legacy in Mexico. What are some of the most notable initiatives he has been involved in and how have they impacted the communities they serve?
In your opinion, what role do foundations and individuals like Alfredo Harp Helú play in promoting sports and education in Mexico? Do you think there is still more that can be done in these areas?
How has Alfredo Harp Helú balanced his personal and professional life throughout his career, and what has been the secret to his success? Can you share any stories or anecdotes about his family’s involvement in his various endeavors?
As someone with such a large philanthropic platform, how does Alfredo Harp Helú choose which causes to support and what motivates him to continue giving back to society?
Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring businessmen and women who want to make a difference in their communities and leave a lasting legacy like Alfredo Harp Helú?
