Beyond Baseball

   With most Opening Day games occurring this week, I was recently pondering all that had happened in the off-season. I have already addressed the issue of Josh Hamilton's relapse, but certainly many other events jump to mind. Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder both signed asininely large contracts. We saw Ryan Braun improbably found innocent on a publicized drug test. Frank McCourt sold the Dodgers to Magic Johnson (and others) for a lot of money (~$2 billion) only to declare that he was keeping a few parking lots for himself. All of these events generated lots of press, pundits talked ad nausium about the implications of each action, and fans argued over which side was correct. While all these events held my interest, there was another event that continues to intrigue me. This story goes beyond petty squabbles over money, fame, or success. It was literally a matter of freedom and security. I am, of course, referring to Wilson Ramos and his amazing story of survival and rescue.

     For those who do not follow baseball, that probably sounds overly intense. How can a baseball player, who gets paid tons of money to play a game, have a rough life? Can his life of leisure and fame really teach us anything and/or grow our appreciation for what we have in the USA?

     It does, seeing as on November 11, 2011 Mr. Ramos was kidnapped. Not in America, but in his home country of Venezuela, where he was visiting his family. I can vividly remember where I was when I saw the story break; not only was one of my favorite players kidnapped, but he was considered to be in a uniquely dangerous situation. Being straight up kidnapped is one thing, but this was the first time a major league player had been the target. Sure, there was the amazing story of a commando raid to rescue Carlos Zambrano's mother. There have been plenty of other major league player's who have had sons, brother-in-laws, and other relatives taken, but never before has anyone actually targeted the player himself. Experts suggested that Ramos would not be harmed, as he was a high-price ransom candidate, but other experts worried that the kidnappers were getting reckless and were 'wild cards' who might do anything, including disappearing forever. Nationals fans waited nervously to hear what would happen, but with each passing hour worrying that the dreaded news might come. The resolution came mercifully quickly, as 48 hours later the Venezuelan police announced that Ramos was safe.

      The exact details remain fuzzy, but it is known that a raid occurred and Mr. Ramos was re-taken by the police during a firefight. Mike Rizzo, GM of the Nats, was quick to praise the brave efforts of the police and detectives that worked tirelessly to locate the hideout. Teammates tweeted their joy. Ramos told the police and his family, “Thanks to God I am again in my home, alive. I do not have the words to express everything I feel. I thank you for your support. Thank you, really. I love you very much.” Baseball fans sighed with relief. The ordeal was over.

       But is it? Ramos is safe, but what about others? Zambrano's cousin was killed by his captors before the commandos came to free his mother. Pro baseball and soccer players are paying huge sums of money to protect their compounds, family, and even cars. Sources report that kidnappings have risen dramatically in Venezula and other South American countries as it is considered a way for organized crime to get huge paydays. Sadly, the previous source mentions that no one knows how many people are kidnapped each year because some people are too afraid to even go to the police for fear of retribution from the gang or possible corrupt police.

      "I didn't know if I was going to get out of it alive. It was very hard for me. It was very hard for my family." Wilson Ramos' quote could apply to any of the situations that all too many families face in corrupt, dangerous countries. It is easy to dismiss this as 'their problem', but it is a growing problem among all income levels. Yes, we live in the USA, where that is not a common problem. I can walk outside without body guards or gates. But that is not the reality for some people.

       Beyond baseball. This is not an issue of a particular player. This is not a political issue. This is a human rights issue. A famous athlete put the issue into the spotlight, but this is a systemic problem that causes pain, despair and death. We need to educate ourselves and be in prayer for peace to reign in Venezeula. We need to do what we can to empathize with those who are facing this very real danger. I do not have the solution to this sad situation. All I can do is what Wilson Ramos did: thank God for family and pray for the safety of others. Please join me in doing the same.