If you’re headed out to Dodger Stadium Wednesday night for the series finale against the Colorado Rockies, consider getting some tickets to the 50/50 raffle.
The money raised that night will go to help the victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela, a topic near and dear to the hearts of multiple Dodgers who hail from the South American country.
Dodgers’ Eliezer Alfonzo lost family in Venezuela quakes
Eliezer Alfonzo, a catcher, learned just hours before making his MLB debut that his stepmother, Patricia, and younger sister, Eliana, had been killed in the two earthquakes that devastated Venezuela on June 24.
After the game, Alfonzo addressed the media, including speaking in English about the role his family played in his MLB journey.
Alfonzo said he spoke with his father — who previously played in the big leagues — and brother ahead of the game, though he mourned that his sister was unable to see his debut.
“Three weeks ago, (Eliana) told me she had a beautiful dream, but she wasn’t going to tell me anything until the dream came true,” Alfonzo said. “I’m pretty sure the dream was something about this. I wish she was alive to watch me play in the big leagues, but I know she’s in God’s eyes now. She’s going to protect me and she’s going to enjoy every moment that I am going to have.”
Miguel Rojas’ family was in Venezuela, but is safe
Rojas’ wife and children were in Venezuela at the time, though they fortunately were unharmed.
Rojas has spoken out about his country’s situation after the quakes and has supported Alfonzo through this difficult time.
“This is the dream of his sister, his father, his whole family, and he’s been working really hard to get this opportunity,” Rojas told reporters. “I’m proud of the way he approached everything that happened to him, but at the same time, it’ shard to put this moment into context, because it’s never easy to lose a family member, especially when something like that happens. All we can do as a club is be here for him and lift him up in tough moments.”
Outside of Alfonzo and Rojas, relievers Brusdar Graterol and Edgardo Henriquez are also Venezuelan.
To honor the affected Dodgers and other MLB players with Venezuelan roots, players have “VZ” embroidered on their hats.
