By CGTN's Juan Carlos Lamas
Baseball, called the "national pastime" in the US, is something of an obsession in Venezuela, the only South American country where it is even more popular than football. And as Venezuelans struggle to cope with triple-digit inflation, food shortages and rising crime rates, for many people, baseball represents success.
When young members of the Caracas Cumbres club in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, take to the field, they're conscious of the hopes and dreams of their families. For these young players as well as their parents and coaches, baseball is serious business. It represents a way out.
"I dreamed of being in the Major Leagues but I didn't make it. That doesn't matter anymore because some of the guys I trained are there now, thanks to my advice and instruction, and for me it's like being there too," said Caracas Cumbres coach Antonio Fuentes.
Nearly 200 children between the ages of 4 to 15 hone their baseball skills for hours with Fuentes and his fellow coaches every day after school. They dream of making it as professional baseball players in the US where multi-million-dollar salaries are just part of the draw.
Omar Bencomo of Team Venezuela pitches at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, March 18, 2017 in San Diego, California. /CFP Photo
For thousands of Venezuelan boys, the possibility of playing professional baseball in the US makes all the practice worthwhile.
More than 350 players born in Venezuela have made it to the Major Leagues. Over 100 of them were on active rosters last year alone.
Deteriorating relations between Venezuela and the US complicate the journey from a Caracas sandlot to a Major League stadium, however.
Since 2015, Americans have needed a visa to enter Venezuela, limiting visits by Major League scouts looking for talent. Even so, more than 500 prospects have been signed by Major League teams in the last two years.
And these coaches, many with their own children on the teams, are hoping to help mold the next pitching ace or home run hitter.
"When I was 18 years old, I lost my father and had to quit playing baseball. I had to go to work to bring food to my family, because I was the oldest of four brothers. But now my dreams have come alive once again with my son who shares the same passion I have towards baseball," said Andres Da Silva, another Caracas Cumbres coach.
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