Venezuelan mess troubles Cabrera
In opposing president, player has company
Miguel Cabrera is missing from the All-Star Game for the first time in eight years. But his presence looms large among his Venezuelan colleagues at the midseason showcase and among his aggrieved countrymen.
The two-time American League MVP, who has shied away from political statements during his Hall of Fame-worthy career, has joined the ranks of Venezuelan players speaking out against the rule of President Nicolas Maduro.
In a series of videos posted on his Instagram account, Cabrera denounced government corruption in Venezuela and the death threats on his family that prompted him to pay bribes, and he expressed support for the protesters who have taken to the streets in his native land.
“The first advice I was given was not to get involved in politics, and I never have,” Cabrera said in Spanish. “But right now we have to get involved, because they have kidnapped our country. I am tired of having to pay bribes. I am tired of hearing that they are going to kidnap my mother, and I don’t know whether it is a policeman or a bad guy. I don’t know who they are. All I know is if I don’t pay, those people disappear.”
Cabrera, a four-time batting champ who is popular back home, is regarded with near-reverence by his Venezuelan peers. He’s the most prominent player to publicly express his disapproval of Maduro’s government amid the economic and political turmoil.
And he did it less than a week before Sunday’s unofficial referendum, organized by the opposition, in which Venezuelans will vote on Maduro’s plans to rewrite the constitution to expand his powers.
“This is a greeting to the people of the resistance,” he said. “You are not alone. We will continue to support you.”
Luis Aparicio, Venezuela’s only Hall of Famer, publicly sided with the opposition as well. Aparicio skipped Tuesday’s pregame ceremony honoring Latin-born Hall of Famers, and in a Spanishlanguage tweet he said: Thanks @MLB for the tribute at the #ASG2017 but I can’t celebrate when young people in my country are dying fighting for freedom ideals.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ender Inciarte, a first-time All-Star, and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli have been among the Venezuelan major leaguers who have publicly voiced their dismay over the unrest and deteriorating conditions at home.
Once one of South America’s most prosperous nations, thanks to its ample supply of oil, Venezuela has been ravaged by shortages of basic necessities under Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chavez when the socialist president died in 2013.
In a June 29 Twitter post, Inciarte wondered why police and the military were not enforcing the constitution “instead of torturing Venezuelans.”
“We don’t want to see people continue to lose their lives because of people who think differently than the rest of the country does,” Inciarte told USA TODAY Sports in Spanish. “I pray to God that the situation changes. This is going to be a crucial week to define the country’s future, and we hope things go well.”
Saturday, Maduro released opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez after a three-year incarceration as a political prisoner, in what was regarded as a goodwill gesture.
It’s unclear what impact that will have, but it’s unlikely to reduce the rampant crime and kidnappings that have become part of daily life in Venezuela. Last year, shortly before signing a $52.5 million contract extension, Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez endured the anguish of having his mother carjacked. She was eventually released unharmed.
Inciarte said he hadn’t dealt with such an ordeal or with bribes but pointed out kidnappings are common in his native Maracaibo.
“I try to keep my family here (in the USA) as much as possible, but it’s tough to see what’s happening,” he said. “That’s all part of the corruption that prevails. When you see people calling to demand money under the threat of killing members of your family, that’s something no Venezuelan should have to experience.”
An estimated 2 million Venezuelans have fled the country in the last 18 years.
Chicago White Sox outfielder Avisail Garcia, another first-time All-Star, is planning to follow suit and move his growing family to Miami. He said the decision wasn’t very difficult because conditions back home are so dire.
“We have nothing in Venezuela now. It’s contradictory, because it’s such a wealthy country, but there’s nothing available,” he said, going on to list what he loves about his country. “The weather, the beaches, the food, the people. It’s perfect, except for the government.”