Dodgers Catcher Played His MLB Debut Hours After Losing Family in Venezuela Quake

Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. got the call every minor leaguer dreams about. But the timing couldn’t have been crueler.

The Los Angeles Dodgers catcher made his MLB debut Sunday night against the San Diego Padres, less than 24 hours after his sister Eliana and stepmother Patricia were found dead in the devastating earthquakes that hit Venezuela. More than 3,300 people have died in the disaster.

Alfonzo somehow took the field anyway. The 26-year-old said he felt the crowd’s support the moment his name was announced. He appreciated it more than words can say.

An Impossible Week

Eliana and Patricia were reported missing on June 24. The family held out hope for days. But the confirmation came Saturday. Alfonzo Jr. is the son of former MLB catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, who is now grieving the loss of both his daughter and wife at once.

The Dodgers issued a statement Sunday night on X. They called it a devastating loss and offered condolences. The team knows there’s nothing it can do to fix this. But they’re making sure Alfonzo knows he’s not alone.

“The Dodgers wish to express their deepest condolences to catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, Jr. for the passing of his sister Eliana and stepmother Patricia in the devastating earthquake in Venezuela,” the team wrote. “Our hearts go out to his family in this tragic loss.”

Teammates Stepping Up

Miguel Rojas, who is also from Venezuela, has been doing his best to comfort his teammate. Rojas is from Puerto La Cruz himself. He understands what Alfonzo is carrying. The whole clubhouse is rallying around the rookie.

Alfonzo spoke to reporters after the Dodgers lost 5-2. He was emotional but direct.

“I felt very emotional and very happy when I heard my name announced, when I took my first turn to bat, to feel the support from the fans,” Alfonzo said in Spanish, per ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. “It’s something I appreciated very much and something I’ll always keep in my heart.”

The Alfonzo family is asking for privacy. The Dodgers are giving them space. No one knows how long it’ll take to heal from something like this. But Alfonzo made it clear he’s grateful for the organization and the city of Los Angeles.