Eliezer Alfonzo was convinced of something—his sister knew. A few weeks prior, she had told him about a dream. Eliana Alfonzo, just 16, chose not to share the details. “She wasn’t going to tell me until the dream came true,” he mentioned. “I’m sure it was about this.”
Alfonzo, a catcher for the Dodgers, made his major league debut on Sunday. However, the day wasn’t entirely joyful. Just hours before the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres and ended up losing 5-2, Eliana was discovered dead alongside her stepmother, Patricia, back in Venezuela. They had been missing since June 24, when two significant earthquakes struck the region.
Reflecting on his sister, Alfonzo said, “She’s on God’s side now and will protect me and enjoy every moment I have.” It was a sentiment that added depth to what should have been an exhilarating moment in his career.
What was supposed to be a highlight turned into something far more complicated. The 26-year-old son of a former major league catcher had played 581 minor league games to reach this point. When he received the call-up from Triple-A Oklahoma City the day before, he still clung to the hope that his sister and stepmother would turn up safe. But upon finding out about their deaths, he broke the news to his father and brother.
“They supported me and encouraged me to go play, to enjoy the day and do it for my sister,” he said. And he did just that.
In his first at-bat, Alfonzo grounded out. Later, he made a catch in center field and played until he was pinch-hit in the seventh inning. Veteran teammate Miguel Rojas, also hailing from Venezuela, acknowledged how understandable Alfonzo’s decision to play was.
“We’re trying to chase a dream that’s not just our own,” Rojas stated. “This is about his sister, his father, his entire family.” He touched on how the tragedy has impacted Venezuelans, saying, “It’s really difficult. I think I’ve been in shock for the last ten days.”
Rojas’s own family was in Venezuela during the earthquakes; his wife was renewing her passport, and his U.S.-born kids were securing Venezuelan citizenship. “It’s tough to be here mentally, trying to remain focused on the game,” Rojas admitted. “It feels selfish to be playing while that happens.”
Alfonzo’s family holds a significant place in Venezuelan baseball history. His father played over 190 major league games, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was his teammate years ago. Rojas called Alfonzo Sr. a “legend,” and remarked on his lasting influence, saying, “Everyone loves him. He’s one of the greatest players and always played with joy.”
In a tribute, Alfonzo wore a hat featuring the initials of his sister and stepmother during the game. “I went out there to honor them,” he explained. When he stepped up to the plate, the crowd’s enthusiastic applause moved him. “Hearing my name announced and feeling the fans’ support was an emotional experience, something I’ll always treasure,” he reflected.
