**MLB Star Miguel Rojas Reflects on Family’s Narrow Escape Amid Deadly Earthquakes in Venezuela**
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In the wake of catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week, Major League Baseball player Miguel Rojas has shared a harrowing account of his family’s close call during this natural disaster. The 37-year-old Los Angeles Dodgers infielder, a native of Venezuela, offered a poignant reflection on the duality of his personal circumstances while addressing the larger tragedy that has unfolded across his homeland.
Rojas’s family was in the capital, Caracas, when two powerful tremors, each exceeding a magnitude of 7, devastated the region. Fortunately, his wife, Mariana, and their two young children, Aaron and Skye, emerged unscathed. However, Rojas admitted that the situation left him with mixed feelings. “I feel selfish saying everything is okay, because everything being okay with my family doesn’t mean everything is okay with the country,” he remarked in an interview with the New York Post.
While his immediate family was sheltered from harm, the destruction was alarmingly close. “Literally two blocks away from where my family was, two buildings collapsed — the whole buildings,” Rojas expressed, highlighting the significant danger faced by those in close proximity to the earthquakes.
The family had returned to Venezuela for personal documentation, with Rojas’s wife primarily there to renew her passport. Communication has been ongoing between them, although uncertainties loom regarding her return to the United States amidst the chaos. The situation has not only affected Rojas, but has also left several of his fellow players, including teammate Edgardo Henriquez, grappling with the consequences of this unfolding disaster.
“It’s really tough to see teammates of mine and players that I played with at some point in my career to lose family members, to lose kids,” Rojas shared. His emotions reflect a deep sense of empathy and sorrow, noting the difficulty of finding rest knowing the struggles faced by many.
The impact of this disaster is profound, with reports indicating that over 900 individuals have lost their lives and more than 3,300 have sustained injuries. The coastal region of La Guaira, situated north of Caracas, has reportedly experienced some of the worst devastation, including significant injuries and structural damage. Aftershocks have continued to rattle the area, leaving communities on edge.
To honour the victims and express solidarity with those affected by the calamity, Rojas and his team donned caps embroidered with “VZ” during their game against the San Diego Padres. Rojas underscored the importance of spreading awareness: “I just want to be able to put a message out there for everybody to keep us on their mind, because it’s a really difficult moment,” he said.
As the country grapples with the aftermath of the earthquakes, Rojas urges the global community to show compassion and support for those in distress. “We’re going through really tough moments right now,” he continued. “I just wish and hope everyone will pray for us because it’s devastating seeing how many families have lost everything.” His call for empathy underlines an essential need for community and support during this time of crisis.
Rojas’s sentiments resonate deeply in light of the current circumstances, as the scale of the tragedy becomes increasingly apparent. The dual nature of his personal safety and the collective mourning of a nation serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of human experiences in times of disaster. As Venezuela faces the road to recovery, the focus remains not only on healing but also on rebuilding lives and communities torn apart by these tragic events.