Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez delivered an emotional message this weekend, just hours after learning that his home had been the target of a high-profile burglary. The 23-year-old star said the break-in wasn’t just a loss of property, it was personal.
“It’s difficult because, man, I just want to go play baseball and have everybody enjoy what I do..” Rodriguez said. “And to have people trying to hurt me and my family, trying to take away the things that I’ve worked so hard my whole life to be able to have, and be able to provide for my family.
However, the 24-year-old said that he’s had full support from the Mariners.
“They have been always there for us and talking to people, the police officers and everybody to make sure that we’re safe,” Rodriguez said. “And that’s something that I’m grateful [for] because, man, I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose somebody I love.”
Rodriguez’s home was one of several hit in a string of robberies across the Seattle area, specifically targeting athletes. Prosecutors have charged 21-year-old Earl Henderson Riley IV, who allegedly stole over $194,000 worth of luxury items from Rodriguez’s residence.
Julio Rodriguez Delivers on the Field
Even with the emotional weight off the field, Rodriguez didn’t let it impact his play. On Friday night against the Angels, the Mariners center fielder, who recently returned from injury, went 2-for-4 with a clutch RBI triple in the fifth inning that briefly gave Seattle a 4-3 lead. He also robbed a home run with a leaping grab in center field.
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Julio Rodríguez takes away a homer! pic.twitter.com/zaV28cbmGJ
The Mariners eventually lost 5-4, their fourth straight defeat. Friday’s performance has pushed Rodriguez’s batting average to .248 with 10 home runs and 33 RBI across 61 games this season.
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