Eliezer Alfonzo made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on Monday after experiencing tragedy. He learned that multiple family members had died after two earthquakes had hit Venezuela.
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Alfonzo's stepmother, Patricia, and sister, Eliana, both died in the natural disaster that claimed the lives of more than 3,000 people. The list of those injured included tens of thousands more.
Alfonzo, the son of a former catcher, spoke to his father and brother before deciding to ultimately suit up for his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He explained in Spanish that it was a way to honor his loved ones who had died.
"Honestly it was a little difficult, but at the same time, thanking God always for everything," he said after making his debut against the Padres and receiving a standing ovation. "What happened, unfortunately, is out of my hands and part of life.
"Only God knows why they happen. I went out there to honor my sister and my stepmother, and give my best in a difficult moment. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the win, but you have to keep moving forward."
He further honored his late family members by writing "E y P" and "RIP" on his Dodgers cap. The headwear also had an embroidered "VZ" to represent his home country.
The pain of this tragedy also extended to another organization. Omar Alfonzo, the younger brother of Eliezer, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Double-A affiliate Altoona Curve.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Omar Alfonzo's mother, Patricia, and sister, Eliana, following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela," the Pirates said in a statement.
"There are no words that can adequately express the depths of this loss, but Omar, his father Eliezer, and the entire Alfonzo family are deeply loved and supported by everyone in the Pirates organization. We are grieving with them and with all those impacted by this tragedy."
