Boston Red Sox

The death toll from two separate 7-plus magnitude earthquakes in Venezuela rose to 1,430 Saturday afternoon, according to the Associated Press.

By Kaley Brown

June 27, 2026 | 7:36 PM

2 minutes to read

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Several Red Sox players have been taking the field with heavy hearts over the last few days.

Native Venezuelans Wilyer Abreu, Willson Contreras, Andruw Monasterio, Carlos Narvaez, and Ranger Suarez have their home country on their minds in the wake of two devastating earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday. 

Two separate 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes rocked the South American country and have taken the lives of at least 1,430 people, according to reporting by the Associated Press Saturday evening. At least 68,900 people are missing as a result, as well.

Contreras, who hails from Puerto Caballo, said he is thinking about Venezuela “every second” as the nation tries to recover.

“We’ve been through tough stuff,” an emotional Contreras told NESN’s Jahmai Webster after the Red Sox’ 6-1 win over the Yankees Friday night. “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. 

“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.”

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.

Naravez, whose hometown is Maracay, wrote “Te Amo” (I love you) next to the “VZ” inscription.

Red Sox legend David Ortiz, who hails from the Dominican Republic, has been at Fenway Park to help raise awareness and money for those in need of assistance in Venezuela.

“Venezuela needs us right now,” he said on NESN on Friday. “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.”