Washington Nationals Catcher Kidnapped

Gunmen in Venezuela seize Wilson Ramos
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 10, 2011 12:24 AM CST
Updated Nov 10, 2011 3:51 AM CST
Washington Nationals Catcher Wilson Ramos Kidnapped in Venezuela
Wilson Ramos of the Washington Nationals is missing in Venezuela.   (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, file)

Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been abducted by gunmen in his hometown in Venezuela. The 24-year-old player was taken away in an SUV by four men who stormed his family's home in Santa Ines, some 100 miles west of Caracas, said a spokeswoman for his winter team, the Aragua Tigers.

Family members of wealthy athletes in Venezuela are often targeted by kidnappers, but this is believed to be the first time an MLB player has been kidnapped, reports AP. The kidnappers have yet to contact the Ramos family, says a source close to the family. The Nationals plan to issue a statement about Ramos, who is one of the team's rising stars. (More kidnapping stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X