Eliezer Alfonzo Makes MLB Debut with Heavy Heart After Family Tragedy in Venezuela

Dodger Stadium offered a standing ovation for Eliezer Alfonzo as he stepped into the batter’s box for his Major League Baseball debut on Sunday. However, the warm welcome was tempered by the devastating news Alfonzo received from his native Venezuela on Sunday: his sister, Eliana, and stepmother, Patricia, were found dead in the aftermath of two severe earthquakes that struck the country on June 24.

These earthquakes have claimed over 3,000 lives, with tens of thousands more injured or missing, creating a national crisis. Alfonzo, son of former big leaguer Eliezer Alfonzo Sr., chose to play despite the immense grief, finding strength in conversations with his father, brother, and teammates. He felt that honoring his late family members through his play was the most fitting tribute.

“Honestly it was a little difficult, but at the same time, thanking God always for everything,” Alfonzo said through an interpreter after the Dodgers’ 5-2 loss to the Padres. “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.”

Honoring His Loved Ones

Alfonzo visibly carried his grief onto the field. He wrote “E y P” and “RIP” above the brim of his cap, with an embroidered “VZ” on the side representing Venezuela. The 26-year-old catcher, who signed a Minor League deal with the Dodgers in the offseason and had his contract selected from Triple-A Oklahoma on Saturday, learned of his family’s deaths on the very day his lifelong dream of reaching the big leagues was realized. He resolved to still try and find moments to cherish the occasion, believing his sister would have wanted him to.

Support from Teammates and Manager

The connection between Alfonzo and the Dodgers extends beyond the current roster. Alfonzo’s father, a former catcher, has a long-standing relationship with veteran infielder Miguel Rojas and manager Dave Roberts. Rojas played against Alfonzo Sr. in Venezuelan winter ball and considers him a close friend and an icon. Roberts was Alfonzo Sr.’s teammate with the Giants.

Rojas, who met Alfonzo Jr. while playing winter ball in 2024, expressed his support with a hug in the dugout before Sunday’s game. Rojas also wrote a message of solidarity on his own cap: a cross next to “ALFONZO” and “FUERZA MATATÁN,” referencing Alfonzo Sr.’s known nickname.

“It’s really hard,” Rojas admitted. “I think I’ve been in shock the last 10 days. Especially because my family, my close family, was there. I know a lot of friends, a lot of people that are going through it. Leaving everything that is happening is really hard, because I feel like I can’t really stop playing. But at the same time, it’s really hard to stay present and stay here, connected mentally, and do everything that you can to stay in the moment.”

Many Venezuelan Major Leaguers, including Rojas, face the difficult emotional challenge of being away from their home country during this crisis. While Rojas confirmed his immediate family was safe early on, the broader tragedy weighed heavily.

Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the profound impact on the team. “Miggy and Edgardo [Henriquez] have family there, among other players in the big leagues, and people in Venezuela, but we weren’t kind of directly impacted until Eliezer, part of our organization, was directly impacted,” Roberts said. “So that’s what hits home even more, right or wrong. But our hearts break for them, and we’re going to be here to support him in any way we possibly can.”

Alfonzo’s Future Games

As Eliezer Alfonzo continues his MLB career, he plans to carry the memory of his sister and stepmother with him. “Going onto the field and giving my best and enjoying, like I know my sister liked to see me,” he said. “Every time I go to the batter’s box, I’ll be thinking about how she would yell from the stands, telling me to hit the ball hard.”

Key facts

This story highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound personal tragedy, set against the backdrop of a major natural disaster affecting Alfonzo’s home country. It underscores the challenges faced by athletes who are far from home during times of crisis affecting their families and communities, and the support systems that can emerge within professional sports organizations.

Source: MLB Official News RSS – https://www.mlb.com/news/eliezer-alfonzo-makes-mlb-debut-with-dodgers-after-family-tragedy