Even in his home country of Venezuela, Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos can't feel safe.
While back in Venezuela playing winter ball for Tigres de Aragua, Ramos was kidnapped at his home on Wednesday night, according to the Denver Post's bilingual website, VivaColorado.com.
"Nationals C Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped at his home in Maracay, Venezuela. Situation developing," said reporter Rafael Rojas, who added in a subsequent tweet that the kidnapping was "confirmed by personnel from his winterball club and close sources."
Venezuela has become notorious for a high rate of kidnappings, and Ramos was likely targeted for his status as a professional athlete. He is not the first MLB player to be targeted, however, as Yorvit Torrealba's son and uncle were kidnapped back in 2009 and Victor Zambrano's mother was also abducted the same year.
Ramos became the Nationals' starting catcher in 2011 while compiling a .267 batting average, a .334 on-base percentage and 52 RBIs.
