MLB Observes Moment of Silence for Venezuela Earthquake Victims; Players Organize Aid

Major League Baseball stadiums nationwide observed a minute of silence on Thursday, June 25, to honor the victims of the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The league expressed its solidarity with a nation that boasts a rich baseball tradition and currently has approximately 80 players on MLB rosters.

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We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the earthquakes that occurred yesterday in Venezuela. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

MLB issued a statement conveying its profound regret over the losses and its support during this emergency. "We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the earthquakes that occurred yesterday in Venezuela. Our thoughts are with all those affected," the statement read. Numerous organizations, including the San Francisco Giants, Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers, along with the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, shared messages of solidarity on their official social media channels.

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Once again, Venezuelans abroad have to put on a neutral face and come to work pretending we are okay.

Venezuelan stars in MLB also used their personal accounts to express their shock and their desire to help earthquake victims. On Thursday's games, several Venezuelan players were seen wearing caps with the visible letters "VZN" or "VZ." Among those showing their support were Luis Arráez, Víctor Bericoto (who lost his sister-in-law), José Altuve, Keider Montero, José Alvarado, Carlos Mendoza, Salvador Pérez, and Oswaldo Cabrera.

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It is very difficult for me to speak. Unfortunately, we know many people who have lost family members. And now the situation is even harder for us. We are talking with the government and many people to see what we can do from here, in the coming days or perhaps weeks, to help our country recover from this.

Willson Contreras, a player for the Boston Red Sox, shared an emotional message on social media: "Once again, Venezuelans abroad have to put on a neutral face and come to work pretending we are okay." Omar López, a coach for the Houston Astros and manager of the Venezuelan team that won the World Baseball Classic, revealed that they are organizing aid efforts. "It is very difficult for me to speak. Unfortunately, we know many people who have lost family members," López told MLB.com. "And now the situation is even harder for us. We are talking with the government and many people to see what we can do from here, in the coming days or perhaps weeks, to help our country recover from this." He added, "Many people have disappeared, and we still don't know if they are alive. But God will help us support the survivors."

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Many people have disappeared, and we still don't know if they are alive. But God will help us support the survivors.