MLB, MLBPA donate $1 million to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts - ESPN

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players' Association announced a joint $1 million donation Tuesday to aid in recovery from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week.

The money will be steered to the American Red Cross, helping the organization provide shelter, safe drinking water, healthcare, essential relief items and mental health services for a country with deep-rooted baseball influence. Venezuela was crowned champion of the World Baseball Classic in March. Days later, on Opening Day, there were 60 Venezuelan-born players throughout major league rosters.

Twin 7-plus-magnitude earthquakes hit the northern part of Venezuela last Wednesday, devastating communities in Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding areas. As of Monday, the death toll had climbed to a reported 1,719 people, with thousands more still missing.

«Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and everyone enduring the aftermath of this disaster,» MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. «Through this joint donation to the Red Cross, we hope to provide critical resources to the brave first responders and offer meaningful support to the Venezuelan people as they begin the difficult recovery process.»

Added MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer: «The MLBPA stands with our players from Venezuela, their families, and the countless others affected by the devastating earthquakes in Caracas, La Guaira and neighboring regions. As rescue and recovery efforts remain underway, we are committed to providing our full support as the Venezuelan people recover and rebuild from this tragedy.»

Teams like the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres previously announced their own $100,000 donations to aid in recovery efforts, while the Boston