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Dodgers’ Eliézer Alfonzo makes major league debut after sister, stepmother found dead in Venezuela
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- Dodgers’ Eliézer Alfonzo makes major league debut after sister, stepmother found dead in Venezuela
She knew.
Eliézer Alfonzo was convinced of that.
A few weeks ago, Alfonzo was told by his sister that she had a dream about him.
Sixteen-year-old Eliana Alfonzo refused to share the details.
Eliézer Alfonzo, a 26-year-old catcher for the Dodgers, made his major league debut on Sunday. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
"She wasn't going to tell me until the dream came true," Alfonzo said. "I'm pretty sure the dream was something about this."
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Alfonzo, a 26-year-old catcher for the Dodgers , made his major league debut on Sunday.
The girl who used to scream at him from the stands to hit the ball hard wasn't there to see it.
Hours before the Dodgers' 5–2 loss to the San Diego Padres , Eliézer Alfonzo's sister Eliana was f ound dead in his native Venezuela , along with his stepmother Patricia.
Eliana and Patricia were missing since June 24 when Venezuela was struck by earthquakes that were recorded at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
Alfonzo said of his sister: "I know she's on God's side now and she's gonna protect me and she's gonna enjoy every moment that I have."
Hours before the Dodgers' 5–2 loss to the Padres, Eliézer Alfonzo's sister Eliana was found dead in his native Venezuela. Getty Images
What should have been the most joyous day of Alfonzo's life became something infinitely more complicated.
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The son of a former major league catcher with the same name, Alfonzo played 581 games over nine minor-league seasons to reach this point.
When he was called up on Saturday from triple-A Oklahoma City, he still held out hope his sister and stepmother were alive. When he learned their remains were discovered, he spoke to his father and brother.
"They gave me their support and asked me to go out onto the field and enjoy this day and do it for my sister," he said.
He did.
The Alfonzo family, L–R: Patricia, Eliézer Jr., Eliézer Sr. and Eliana Alfonzo. Instagram/ealfonzomatatan
Alfonzo grounded out to short in his first at-bat. He flied out to center field in the sixth. He caught for seven innings before he was removed for a pinch-hitter.
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Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas , who is also from Venezuela, wasn't surprised by Alfonzo's decision to play.
"We are trying to go after a dream that is not just our dream," Rojas said. "I'm pretty sure that he feels the same way, that this is the dream of his sister, his father, his whole family."
Rojas explained how the disaster has affected him and others from his homeland.
"It's really hard," Rojas said. "I think I've been in shock for the last 10 days."
Eliana and Patricia Alfonzo were missing since June 24 when Venezuela was struck by earthquakes. REUTERS
His wife and children were in Venezuela when the earthquakes struck. His wife was there to renew his passport and his U.S.-born children were there to receive Venezuelan citizenship.
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"It's really hard to stay present and stay here, connected mentally and do everything that you can to stay in the moment," Rojas said. "That's the worst feeling, feeling selfish [for] being here and playing."
Rojas went on to explain what the Alfonzo family means to the Venezuelan baseball community.
Alfonzo Sr. played 193 games over six major league season s. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was a teammate of his on the San Francisco Giants for two seasons, in 2007 and 2008.
"A legend," Rojas said of Alfonzo Sr.
Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas, who is also from Venezuela, wasn't surprised by Alfonzo's decision to play. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Rojas' initial encounter with Alfonzo Sr. was in 2008 in the Venezuelan winter league. Rojas said he developed a close relationship with him over the years.
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"Everybody loves him, to be honest with you," Rojas said. "If you ask any Venezuelan player, they will say that Eliezer Alfonzo is one of the biggest [inspirations] and the guy who always played the game with a lot of joy.,"
Rojas inscribed an homage to the family on the cap he wore on Sunday.
Alfonzo wrote the first initials of his sister and stepmother.
"I went out to honor my sister and stepmother," he said.
And when he stepped into a major league batter's box for the first time, the fans at Uniqlo Field honored him, many of them standing to applaud.
"I felt very emotional and very happy when I heard my name announced to take my first at-bat, to feel the support from the fans," he said. "It's something I appreciated very much and something I'll always keep in my heart."
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