"Joakim Soria made the request early Tuesday in the understated manner by which he typically closes out any game where the Royals enter the ninth inning with a slim lead.

It came as a request sent out on his Twitter account that asked — asked, not demanded — that everyone stop referring to him as the Mexicutioner:

"How about we change my nickname to something positive? In support to Mexico to stop all the violence!!!"

Soria, 26, has always been proud of his Mexican heritage. It marked a proud moment in his career, which includes two All-Star selections, when he became the all-time leader in saves by a Mexican-born player.

He readily admits he is deeply troubled by the escalating violence gripping his country.

More than 35,000 people have died over the last four years, by Mexican estimates, in drug-related incidents — many in execution-style murders.

Statistics also show a sharp escalation in the murders. Mexican authorities estimate the death count last year topped 15,000.

"It is sad when you see your country like that," Soria said, "and that nickname is a negative to the kids in Mexico. There's too much violence. It's really bad.

"I know I can't really do anything about it, but the mind-set needs to change. People follow me in Mexico."

Soria had no objection when the nickname first surfaced in 2008."