Rangers’ Odor proudly backed Venezuela trip to LLWS
By Andy Martinez
CHICAGO – Rougned Odor knows what it’s like to sport a baseball jersey with “VENEZUELA” emblazoned across the chest.
He did it as a teenager in the 2009 World Youth Baseball Championship. He did it again as an adult in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
“You feel something very big when you represent Venezuela,” the Rangers’ second baseman said.
So, naturally, when he heard that the Cacique Mara Little League team from his hometown of Maracaibo had qualified for the Little League World Series, he was ecstatic for them. The feelings quickly changed from elation to a desire to help. He learned that, just like in years past, the Little League team would need financial help.
The youngsters had already experienced hardship just in qualifying for the Little League World Series. The team lacked the funding to travel to Mexico for the qualifying tournament. Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez and Brewers pitcher Jhoulys Chacín pitched in to get the youngsters flights to Mexico to qualify.
“Every time someone has the opportunity, no matter how small it is, I think it makes a big difference,” White Sox Venezuelan infielder Yolmer Sánchez said. “We have the opportunity to have so many things and there’s people that with just one gesture, it means the world to them.”
After they qualified, the team had seemingly no way of getting visas or any way to get to Williamsport, Pa., to play in the Little League World Series.
That’s where Odor and Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte stepped up. The duo donated money to ensure that the youngsters could play in the Little League World Series.
“I know what it’s like for a child to be able to represent their country,” Odor said. “It’s something that’s really big for them.”
The Little League team made the most of their opportunities. The team went 2-2 in the tournament, finishing two games short of the international championship. They played with charisma, joy and effort.
They even had a viral moment.
Deivis Ordóñez’s batting stance took the internet by storm. In the first pitch he faced against Australia, Ordóñez crouched as low as a catcher in his batting stance. Indians star Yasiel Puig even imitated the stance.
On the next pitch, he crouched to a normal height, bunting his way on base. Ordónez’s dance moves and handshakes were also making their rounds on social media.
“The most beautiful thing is that they’re enjoying it,” Sánchez said. “They’re kids and we need to let them have fun and enjoy themselves. I didn’t have the opportunity to represent my country, Venezuela, in a Little League World Series, but I think that it’s a unique moment that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
They enjoyed their moments in large part because of the big hearts of players like Odor. Odor vows to help Venezuelan youngsters whenever they may need help in the future too.
“Seeing them as happy as they are makes me feel good,” Odor said. “I feel proud to have helped them.”
Featured Image: C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images Sport