Eliezer Alfonzo made his major league debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday following the deaths of his sister and stepmother in Venezuela.
The 26-year-old catcher stepped into the batter's box at Dodger Stadium to a standing ovation from the crowd. Alfonzo had signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in the offseason and was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City the day before.
His sister Eliana and stepmother Patricia were killed in earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The disaster has claimed more than 3,000 lives. Alfonzo chose to play to honor them, writing "E y P" and "RIP" along with "VZ" on his cap.
"I went out there to honor my sister and my stepmother," Alfonzo said after the Dodgers' 5-2 loss to the San Diego Padres. He added that his sister had dreamed of seeing him reach the majors.
Veteran Miguel Rojas and manager Dave Roberts offered support. Rojas, a close friend of Alfonzo's father, wore a message on his own cap and hugged the rookie before the game.
