Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. played for more than himself against the San Diego Padres in making his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers called up 26-year-old catcher Eliezer Alfonzo Jr. (son of former big-leaguer Eliezer Alfonzo) on July 4 and he was slated to make his debut the following day with the Dodgers looking to sweep the San Diego Padres.
Though the Padres stole a game and break their eight-game losing streak with a four-run outburst in the seventh inning that led to a 5-2 San Diego victory, all eyes were on the newly called-up Dodgers catcher.
Before making his debut, reports from Venezuela stated that Alfonzo's stepmother, Patricia, and sister, Eliana, were found deceased following the two destructive earthquakes that shook the country on June 24.
The Dodgers organization later sent out their heartful condolences to Alfonzo Jr. and the rest of his family.
Following the loss, Alfonzo Jr. told the media via the Bleed Los Podcast why he decided to play despite the indescribable tragedy that had struck his family.
“It was honestly a little difficult day, but I’m always giving thanks to God for all things,” Alfonzo said through interpreter Juan Dorado. “What happened, unfortunately, is something that escapes our hands. It’s something from nature, and only God knows why it happens.
"The truth is, I went out there in honor of my sister and my stepmother. I tried to give the best of myself in a difficult moment."
Alfonzo Jr. also acknowledged the immense support that he's received since his call-up. Not only with the support from his father and the rest of his family back home, but also his teammates.
No one felt this tragedy more than fellow countryman Miguel Rojas, who spoke in support of the rookie catcher.
Jul 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Eliézer Alfonzo (64) looks on during the second inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. -- © Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images"It's really hard," Rojas told Dodgers beat reporter Sonja Chen of MLB.com. "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."
Skipper Dave Roberts praised Alfonzo Jr.'s efforts to play in his debut despite a heavy heart.
“Just happy for him," Roberts said to the media in the postgame via the Bleed Los Podcast. "He realized a dream today. Obviously, that was certainly on his heart all day, but he did a fantastic job of driving our pitching staff, compartmentalizing."
Even though he would have done it regardless, Alfonzo Jr. will carry his sister and stepmother's memory the best way he can. And that is to play the game he truly loves.
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