Eliezer Alfonzo, a 27-year-old Venezuelan catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, made an unforgettable Major League Baseball (MLB) debut after years in the minor leagues.
His joy at realizing his dream was overshadowed by tragedy. Alfonzo learned that his stepmother and younger sister had perished in an earthquake back home, yet he courageously took the field for his family.
On Monday, Alfonzo started as the ninth batter and catcher in a home game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. He went 0-for-2 in his debut.
Alfonzo got his big league call-up on July 5 after starting catcher Will Smith was injured. This marked his first MLB appearance, a decade after signing with the Detroit Tigers as an international free agent in 2016.
Since 2017, Alfonzo had been grinding in the minors without a major league opportunity. He inked a minor league deal with the Dodgers last winter. In Triple-A this season, he impressed with a .313 batting average, one homer, and 17 run batted ins (RBIs) across 49 games.
However, Alfonzo’s milestone was marred by heartbreak. A devastating earthquake in Venezuela claimed 3,342 lives, including members of his family.
Venezuelan media reported that Alfonzo’s stepmother, Patricia, and sister, Eliana, were found dead in their hotel after being reported missing in the earthquake.
As Alfonzo prepared for his MLB debut, he received the crushing news. Despite the emotional turmoil, he steeled himself and donned his catcher’s gear.
Alfonzo inscribed E y P RIP (Rest in Peace) on his cap to honor his stepmother and sister.
It was an incredibly tough day, Alfonzo shared. His father, brother, girlfriend, and agent supported him. He decided to play for his stepmother and sister. He needs to keep his head up and push forward for his family who’ve passed.
He revealed a poignant story about his sister: Two weeks ago, she told him that she had a wonderful dream. She won’t tell him until it comes true. He’s certain today’s MLB debut was the dream she saw. He feel she’s watching over him from heaven.
The Dodgers expressed their condolences to Alfonzo and his family. Post-game, the team released a statement: It extends its deepest sympathies to Alfonzo, who lost his stepmother and sister in the Venezuelan earthquake. Their hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.
Manager Dave Roberts commented that Alfonzo showed incredible composure despite his profound loss. He’ll now face the harsh reality of this tragedy. It’s heartbreaking, and it’ll support him in every way possible.