Nov
12
2011

Wilson Ramos Is Safe and Unharmed After Daring Rescue

An article by Jessep

Update by Joe D.

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo released a statement this morning after speaking with catcher Wilson Ramos, who was rescued from abductors last night in Venezuela:

“I am happy to announce that I have spoken directly with Wilson and he assures me he is unharmed but eager to be reunited with his family,” Rizzo said. “He asked me to thank all who played a role in his rescue, and all those who kept him and his family in their thoughts and prayers. I join Wilson in thanking the many law enforcement officials in Venezuela and investigators with Major League Baseball who worked tirelessly to ensure a positive ending to what has been a frightening ordeal. The only detail that concerns us tonight is that Wilson is safe. The entire Washington Nationals family is thankful that Wilson Ramos is coming home.”

Ramos returned home to his family this morning, to cheers from the supporters who had gathered around his house. A family friend said he is resting at home.

Five men were reportedly arrested in the kidnapping who were “linked to paramilitary and kidnapping groups.”

_____________________________________________________________

Just an unreal report, that is likely to hit the AP Very soon.

Rockies beat reporter Troy Renck tweeted that Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped in Maracay, Venezuela.

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/33210483

Here’s hoping Ramos is found quickly and unharmed.

About the Author: Michael J. Branda

My time with MMO began in July of 2009 when I wrote a Fan Post defending Omar Minaya (before it was cool to do that.) I grew up a Mets fan with the mid 1980's teams. My favorite Met of all-time is (and was) Wally Backman. When it comes to sabermetrics versus old school thinking, I like to think I meet in the middle. I believe thinking of new ways to get answers is helpful, especially when the same way has not produced results. However, I think over-thinking certain situations can get you into trouble. I'm excited for the new regime, because I believe they have pieces in place to focus on several aspects of the Mets organization. I've waited this long for a World Series, waiting a few more years for another chance isn't going to kill me.

22 Comments + Add Comment

NJstuckinTX November 9, 2011 at 8:50 pm

Between this and the JoPa stuff, what the hell?!?!

Oh, and the site looks stellar.
- LongTimeFan November 9, 2011 at 9:20 pm
  
  This is gut-wrenching news. Every player is vulnerable in that country known for it’s kidnapping of high profile people and violence.
Donal November 9, 2011 at 9:41 pm

This is awful. I can’t imagine what his family is going through.
Metfan Lou November 9, 2011 at 10:08 pm

Most South American countries are crime ridden similar to our own inner cities and baseball players who have a major league career have the money to move their families here or to a safer country. Sorry to say it but they should not return to their home countries. Pretty harsh but true. I pray this turns out well for him and his family.
Des November 10, 2011 at 12:19 am

A couple of years ago, the son of another catcher, Yorvit Torrealba, was kidnapped in Venezuela. It all turned out reasonably well. Here is the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/sports/baseball/20torrealba.html?pagewanted=all
Kay November 10, 2011 at 7:34 am

My prayers to he and his family for a quick safe return………….
Hodges14 November 10, 2011 at 8:09 am

Awful and unbelievable! God help him.
Mr North Jersey November 10, 2011 at 8:31 am

Very sad news indeed. I was reading the Washington Post article and they mentioned past players who dealt with incidents of kidnapping that I didn’t remember.

“Ramos is believed to be the most high-profile baseball player kidnapped in Venezuela, but the rash of abductions has touched the baseball world there before. In 2008, the brother of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Henry Blanco was kidnapped and killed, his body found a day after he was taken. In 2009, Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba paid a ransom to get his son back, and pitcher Victor Zambrano’s mother was rescued in a raid.”

washingtonpost.com/sports/washington-nationals-catcher-wilson-ramos-kidnapped-in-venezuela/2011/11/09/gIQAS8tz6M_story.html

BTW The site’s looking real nice.
kevin November 10, 2011 at 8:38 am

This is sick!! How can stuff like this go on in this day and age?
- NJstuckinTX November 10, 2011 at 9:25 am
  
  Papua New Guinea still has cannibalism, Somalia has pirates, Mexico has a full blown drug war going on, so not so surprising that this stuff happens. What is surprising, to me, is that once these guys get money that they don’t get the hell out there, or move to a “nice” area or hire guards or something.
  - Mr North Jersey November 10, 2011 at 9:30 am
    
    Papua New Guinea still has cannibalism?
    - NJstuckinTX November 10, 2011 at 9:55 am
      
      Unfortunately, yeah. That country is crazy. My company at the time had a subdivision that would distribute payroll, via helicopter, through either holes in roofs or into secure compounds because there are so many banditos over there. It’s like profession.
    - Metfan Lou November 10, 2011 at 12:23 pm
      
      Yeah similar to like what we Met fans do to Big Pelf after a bad outing.
  - Donal November 10, 2011 at 9:47 am
    
    This their home we’re talking about. Even if they did try and move, their family members may not want to go.
    - NJstuckinTX November 10, 2011 at 10:00 am
      
      I hear what you are saying, but if you hit the lottery (AKA make the big leagues) and still live in an area where this stuff happens (on a consistent basis, by the way), the possibility and probability increases significantly.
alwayzamazin November 12, 2011 at 12:05 am

Wilson was rescued! Hallelujah!
- Kay November 12, 2011 at 9:56 am
  
  http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/kidnapped-washington-nationals-catcher-wilson-ramos-rescued-venezuelan-authorities-say-111111
  
  Thank God!
- Donal November 12, 2011 at 10:14 am
  
  Good stuff. Glad to see he is safe and sound.
Metsie November 12, 2011 at 11:41 am

Gald to see himback and safe at home!
Andrew Wyrich November 12, 2011 at 12:22 pm

This is great news. He is a solid young player who should be an excellent edition to the National’s future.
Kranepool7 November 12, 2011 at 12:44 pm

Glad this had a happy ending especially when you consider the alternatives.
Gina November 12, 2011 at 3:04 pm

I am so happy he’s okay!

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	23	18	.561	-
Nationals	23	19	.548	0.5
Phillies	20	22	.476	3.5
Mets	16	23	.410	6.0
Marlins	11	31	.262	12.5

Last updated: 05/18/2013

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