Alfonzo's Bittersweet Debut
Eliézer Alfonzo Debuts for Dodgers While Family Remains Missing After Venezuela Quakes
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Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliézer Alfonzo made his long-awaited MLB debut against the San Diego Padres on Sunday — while his 16-year-old sister, Eliana, and stepmother, Patricia, remain missing after Venezuela's catastrophic June 24 earthquakes. The Star reported that several Latin American media outlets have claimed the two family members were found dead, though the Dodgers have not confirmed those reports.
The 26-year-old catcher's debut came after nine grueling seasons and 581 minor league games. KDH News reported that Alfonzo batted and took the field amid one of the most emotionally charged circumstances in recent baseball memory.
Nine Seasons in the Minors Before One Big Day
Alfonzo's path to the majors was anything but quick. He spent nine seasons grinding through 581 minor league games before the Dodgers finally called him up. Winnipeg Free Press noted this was not his first shot at the majors — he had previously been on the cusp of the big leagues before being passed over. At 26, his debut was a long time coming.
The Dodgers elected to call up Alfonzo as a catcher, one of the most demanding positions on the field. His promotion came at a moment when the team needed depth. Leader Telegram reported that he stepped into the lineup against San Diego, facing one of the National League's most competitive rosters.
Venezuela Earthquakes Leave Two Family Members Missing
The June 24 earthquakes struck Venezuela and caused widespread destruction. Alfonzo's 16-year-old sister, Eliana, and his stepmother, Patricia, went missing in the aftermath. NH Register reported that several Latin American media outlets published claims that their bodies had been recovered, but those reports were not verified by the Dodgers organization.
Venezuela's earthquakes were described as catastrophic. Oskaloosa reported that Alfonzo took the field while still waiting for confirmed news about his family's fate. The Dodgers have stayed silent on the unverified reports, leaving the situation deeply uncertain.
Dodgers Remain Silent as Unverified Death Reports Spread
Multiple Latin American outlets reported that Eliana and Patricia's bodies were found. But the Dodgers have not confirmed or denied those claims. News-Gazette reported that the team has not issued any public statement on the matter, leaving fans and reporters to wait for clarity.
The gap between unconfirmed reports and official silence added another layer of weight to an already emotional debut. St. Albert Gazette noted that Alfonzo played through the uncertainty. It remains unclear when or whether the Dodgers will address the reports publicly.
A Debut Watched With Heavy Hearts Around Baseball
Alfonzo's story drew attention far beyond typical rookie news. A player making his MLB debut after nearly a decade in the minors is already a feel-good moment. But the missing family members turned it into something far more somber. Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported that the debut took place against that difficult backdrop.
Baseball has seen players compete through personal tragedy before. But rarely has a debut carried this much weight. Yakima Herald reported that Alfonzo stepped onto the field knowing his sister and stepmother's fates were still unknown. His first major league game will be remembered for far more than what happened on the field.
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