Los Angeles. Venezuelan catcher Eliezer Alfonzo experienced one of the most important moments of his sports career by debuting this Sunday in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers, although he did so marked by a deep family tragedy.
You might be interested in: Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. to debut with the Dodgers after losing his sister and stepmother in the Venezuela earthquake
Hours before playing his first game in the Majors, Alfonzo received the devastating news that his sister, Eliana, and his stepmother, Patricia, were found lifeless following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th, a disaster that has left more than 3,000 dead, in addition to thousands injured and missing.
More Read
Despite the pain, the 26-year-old catcher decided not to miss the game against the San Diego Padres, convinced that the best way to honor the memory of his loved ones was by fulfilling the dream they shared with him: to see him play in the Major Leagues.
“It was a bit difficult, but at the same time always thanking God for everything. What happened was out of my hands and is part of life. I went out to honor my sister and my stepmother and to give my best in a difficult moment,” Alfonzo expressed after the match.
As a tribute, the Venezuelan wrote the initials “E and P” next to the inscription “RIP” on the brim of his cap, in addition to wearing the letters “VZ” in representation of Venezuela, symbolically carrying his family with him during his historic debut.
Alfonzo, who signed with the Dodgers on a Minor League contract during the offseason and was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma, revealed that one of his sister’s biggest dreams was to see him reach the Major Leagues.
The emotional moment also moved his teammates. Venezuelan veteran Miguel Rojas greeted him with a hug before the game and wrote a message of support on his own cap, while manager Dave Roberts assured that the entire organization will support the young catcher during this difficult process.
“Our hearts break for him and his family. We are going to be here to support him in any way we can,” stated Roberts.
Although the Dodgers fell 5-2 to the Padres, Eliezer Alfonzo’s debut was marked as a display of strength and resilience, as he fulfilled his dream of reaching the Major Leagues while paying tribute to two of the most important people in his life.
:::**
If you wish, I can also adapt it to the style of a note for a Dominican newspaper or for publication on a sports website.
