‘It’s really sad to see’: SF Giants’ Bericoto among players impacted by earthquake in Venezuela

SAN FRANCISCO — Victor Bericoto knew of the earthquakes that struck his native Venezuela before delivering a walk-off home run and the best game of his career, but it wasn’t until after the game that he learned the magnitude of what happened in his home country.

“It’s really sad to see what’s going on in my country,” Bericoto said through team interpreter Erwin Higueros. “Seeing entire families lose their homes, lose loved ones, lose everything that they had. It’s really sad to be so far away and not be able to do anything for them. I guess the message that I could send to them is that we’re with them, our prayers are with them and just hoping that things get better for them over there.”

Bericoto said his family is well, but shared that his brother’s girlfriend died in the earthquake. Bericoto also said he had friends who lost their families. Per multiple reports, the earthquakes have killed at least 188 people.

The 25-year-old is one of four Venezuelans on the team, the others being second baseman Luis Arraez, reliever José Buttó and bullpen catcher Eliezer Zambrano. Bericoto is in Thursday’s starting lineup as the Giants go for their first sweep of the season, batting seventh and playing left field.

Major League Baseball issued a memo on Thursday that players will be permitted to wear a tribute to Venezuela on the side of their caps. Bericoto, Arraez, Buttó and Zambrano will have “VZ” embroidered on the side of their caps for Thursday’s series finale.

The Giants held a moment of silence prior to first pitch.

“It was very difficult to process everything that has been going on,” Bericoto said. “I’m sure that a lot of us were not able to sleep all night because we were trying to wait for the news, so it was very difficult to process everything that happened.”

Several of Bericoto’s teammates checked in with him following Wednesday’s win, a gesture that he appreciated.

“Obviously, he was battling that deal the whole day, so to do that in that moment, it’s pretty tough to put into words,” said manager Tony Vitello. “Then, he dealt with the situation that happened with his brother. I believe, he, Buttó and Luis are all dealing with or waiting to hear on missing teammates or other people that they know.

“I know some people in this area may have some familiarity with the damage an earthquake can do, but I don’t know how you really comprehend what’s going on for them, much less what’s going on with everybody over there. A reminder, if anything, that life is too serious and it’s very difficult. You have to laugh every now and then. You have to enjoy moments like last night, and you got to embrace good people, no matter who they are.”