An emotional Luis Arraez speaks about Venezuela and the suffering that is currently happening in the country.

This weekend in Miami, the San Diego Padres took two of three games from the Marlins.

The win capped a hugely successful road trip for the Padres, during which they won five of their six games in Pittsburgh and Miami.

Baseball is a beautiful game, but it is just that- a game.

For some ball players, the sport of baseball unlocked freedoms both economically and politically they would have never achieved. For players from Venezuela, it is a difficult time. The current regime in Venezuela is accused of dismantling the country’s democratic freedoms. President Nicolas Maduro claims control of the country, but the people are not pleased.

The country of Venezuela is on the brink of civil war.

There is clearly an abuse of power, and those who are lucky enough to leave are speaking out.

San Diego Padres’ Luis Arraez is one of 90 players from Venezuela playing Major League Baseball in 2024. That represents roughly 6.5 percent of the major leaguers in the game. It does not reflect the hundreds and hundreds of players in the minors who are working hard to achieve the ultimate goal.

Luis Arraez is human. He is currently dealing with a thumb injury, but his mind and heart are in his home country.

The infielder got very emotional when speaking about Venezuela. It is a difficult time for him currently, and his feelings poured out.

Ojalá un día, no me toque ver llorar a Luis Arraez y si lo veo, que sea de alegría y abrazarlo para celebrar juntos que Venezuela sea un país libre otra vez. Aquí tienen venezolanos, otro de los peloteros que apoya. pic.twitter.com/eL57M2Vz5I

— Alfre Alvarez ?? (@AlfreAlvarez3) August 10, 2024

Here is what Arraez had to say. “I hope that things in Venezuela will get better. Since everyone here knows what is happening in Venezuela and all of us Venezuelans,” Arraez said, as he started to get extremely emotional. “I also want to give a message that they stay strong. It comes to my heart a lot. We are all like this. But nothing, we will keep moving forward.”

A gripping statement from Arraez and a reminder that things are more significant than the game of baseball.

The prolonged economic and political instability in Venezuela is horrendous. It has a direct effect on millions and millions of people. Not just those who are currently suffering within the country but those who come from Venezuela. People who are working for that “American Dream” and only wish to provide that hope to others in the country of Venezuela.

This will surely not be the last time we hear from the San Diego Padres infielder regarding this topic.

Until then, we will stand with him during this difficult time.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.