As Venezuela reels from two powerful earthquakes that have killed at least 1,430 people and left 68,900 missing, several Red Sox players have worn “VZ” and other messages on their hats, while David Ortiz urged fans to donate to relief efforts.
When the Red Sox took the field in the days after Wednesday’s earthquakes in Venezuela, the messages weren’t just symbolic. They were personal—written into the fabric of a season still underway.
The death toll from two separate 7-plus magnitude earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 1. 430 as of Saturday afternoon. according to reporting by the Associated Press. The tremors—one measuring 7.2 and the other 7.5—also have left at least 68,900 people missing, as the country struggles to recover.
Several Red Sox players, all with Venezuelan roots, have been visibly carrying their home country with them. Wilyer Abreu, Willson Contreras, Andruw Monasterio, Carlos Narvaez, and Ranger Suárez have said they are thinking about Venezuela as the fallout continues.
Contreras, who hails from Puerto Caballo, put those feelings into words after Boston’s 6-1 win over the Yankees on Friday night. Speaking to NESN’s Jahmai Webster, Contreras said he’s been thinking about Venezuela “every second” as the nation tries to recover.
“We’ve been through tough stuff,” Contreras told Webster. “Since Jan. 3, 1999 (when Hugo Chavez took office), something good happened to Venezuela. We started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In March we won the WBC, which was great for Venezuela given the happiness.”
He then turned to the devastation now pressing in.
“And now we got hit with two earthquakes and more than 1,000 deaths. I keep my country in my heart. It hurts. … I always keep Venezuela in my heart.”
On the field, the solidarity has shown up in what players wear. Boston players have donned hats with the letters “VZ” sewn into the side during games. Abreu, a native of Maracaibo, recently wrote “SOS” and “All Together For Venezuela” on his hat. Contreras also wrote “Pray for Venezuela” on his. Narvaez, whose hometown is Maracay, wrote “Te Amo” (I love you) next to the “VZ” inscription.
At Fenway Park, that attention has extended beyond current players. Red Sox legend David Ortiz. who hails from the Dominican Republic. has been at the ballpark helping raise awareness and money for those in need of assistance in Venezuela. Ortiz told NESN on Friday, “Venezuela needs us right now.” He added: “Venezuela is going through hell right now. That earthquake killed so many people, destroyed so many cities. People need our help over there. Badly.”.
Ortiz was raising money to put toward the relief effort at a Fenway gate before Saturday’s game. He also encouraged Red Sox fans at home and people in Boston to donate to the cause through the Red Sox Foundation.
“Please, let’s get together like we always do,” Ortiz said. “Boston Strong always comes through. Let’s help our friends over there in Venezuela. Venezuela, we’re thinking of you. You’re in our heart, and we’re gonna do whatever it takes to help you guys.”
In the midst of a recovery effort measured in numbers—fatalities rising to 1. 430 and missing climbing to at least 68. 900—what’s striking is how quickly the grief moved from news headlines to the everyday rituals of a team. For the players. the messages on their hats are a way to keep their country close while the ground keeps shifting and the needs keep growing.
Venezuela earthquake Red Sox Willson Contreras David Ortiz Fenway Park Wilyer Abreu Andruw Monasterio Carlos Narvaez Ranger Suárez 7.2 earthquake 7.5 earthquake Boston Strong Red Sox Foundation
So are they donating too or just hat stuff?
Heartbreaking. Those messages on hats are nice but I hope people actually send money. 68,900 missing is just insane.
Not gonna lie I thought “VZ” meant like some kind of sponsorship at first. Like the Red Sox are just repping “VZ” lol. But yeah my cousin in Miami said something about Venezuela too, so guess it’s real.
I feel bad for everyone there, but I also don’t get why this is on the field. Like shouldn’t MLB be making players do mandatory donations or something? David Ortiz always had a big mouth so hopefully it turns into real help, not just press during a game. Also the numbers are confusing like 1,430 deaths then 68,900 missing… missing doesn’t even mean dead, right? Still awful though.