Royals express concern for Venezuela after massive earthquakes hit country
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela shortly after 5 p.m. CT. Wednesday.
- Venezuelan authorities reported at least 164 deaths and nearly 1,000 injured.
- The Royals said their players’ immediate family members are safe and accounted for.
The Kansas City Royals played Thursday’s matinée against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field with heavy hearts.
Multiple players pregame mentioned the recent tragedy in Venezuela. On Wednesday, two earthquakes hit the country in succession, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 shortly after 5 p.m. Central.
According to NBC News, Venezuelan authorities said at least 164 people have died and nearly 1,000 were injured. And those numbers could rise as rescue efforts continue in the country.
It was among the largest earthquakes in Venezuela in over a century.
The Royals found out prior to Wednesday’s game. Hours later, the club revealed that everyone’s immediate family is safe and accounted for.
“It’s like the whole Caracas, La Guaira, there’s a lot of people that are still worried,” Royals infield coach Jose Alguacil said. “I mean, it’s a lot of uncertainty. They don’t know what happened with family members. They are still searching. It’s a sad moment for my country.”
Alguacil is a native of Caracas, Venezuela. He spent several hours checking on his family late last night.
He learned that his family spent Wednesday night on the streets. And he was visibly shaken after seeing the aftermath of the earthquakes.
“Yeah, pretty much my whole family,” Alguacil said. “Like my mom, brother and nephews. They didn’t feel safe because they kept feeling shaking (aftershocks) in the apartments. … They didn’t feel safe, and they don’t know what can happen at this point.”
His family is working to return to their home.
“My parent’s place is a little damaged,” Alguacil said. “At some point, they can be there.”
Alguacil asked for continued prayers for his country. Meanwhile, several Royals discussed the situation in the clubhouse.
Guys like Salvador Perez, Luinder Avila and Maikel Garcia are Venezuela natives. They represented the country in the World Baseball Classic in March.
Other Venezuelan representatives include Alguacil, Juan Graterol (bullpen catcher) and Luis Perez (strength coach) among others.
“It’s very emotional,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There’s a lot of things still coming in. The reports we’ve gotten so far on our players and their families have been positive. But there are people that they know that have perished. It’s something that is very sad and very emotional.”
Garcia expressed his concerns on social media. He revealed that his daughter and her mother are safe and accounted for.
Garcia also asked for help from non-affected states in Venezuela amid the widespread destruction.
“I have a lot of friends that pretty much lost everything,” Alguacil said. “Some guys have lost some life. Some guys have lost some homes. And it’s a sad moment.”
The Royals put out a statement on Wednesday night. And both clubs held a moment of silence before Thursday’s series finale.
“I was talking with some guys and they want to try to do something to see how we can help,” Alguacil said. “And that’s what we are here for. You know, that’s the only thing we can do at this moment. Pray and we start talking to see how we can help our people.”
