Some sad and alarming news to report this morning out of Venezuela.
According to the Associated Press, the mother of former Mets pitcher, Victor Zambrano, was kidnapped from the pitcher’s property late last night.
Details of the incident are still very sketchy.
Over the past few years, Venezuela has been the target of kidnappers, who look to extort money from the many sports stars that live there, by taking their loved ones hostage.
Back in April, the son and brother-in-law of catcher, Yorvit Torrealba were snatched, only to be released a short time later. Hopefully there is a similar outcome in this scenario.
Zambrano will forever be known in Mets history as being involved in one of the worst trades in team history that sent future star, Scott Kazmir, to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Zambrano spent two and a half years in a Mets uniform, compiling a record of (10-14) before sustaining an injury that would ultimately end his tenure as a New York Met.
His last appearance at the big league level was with the Baltimore Orioles in September of 2007. Last season, he bounced around both the Rockies’ and Yankees’ farm systems, but never was able to crack either of the team’s Major League squads.
From all of us at MMO, we wish Victor Zambrano nothing, but the best in what has to be an extremely difficult time.
Update (9:38 am EST): Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman passed along a report by Andrew Marchand on Twitter that states that Zambrano’s mother, whose name is Elizabeth Mendez Zambrano, was taken from her home by a team of eight armed thugs.
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I hope the outcome comes out ok for Victor and his family. Prayers to the Zambrano family.
wow how insane is this? I hope it works out ok for him and his mom, but it sure doesnt sound very optimistic. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Count me in as hoping for the best for The Zambrano family. How truly awful this news is.