Amid the Dodgers’ silence about federal immigration raids in Southern California, a well-recognized voice that has comforted immigrants for years emerged.
Jaime Jarrín, the previous Spanish-language voice of the Dodgers who captivated 1000’s of followers for many years and served as Fernando Valenzuela’s translator throughout Fernandomania, posted a message on his Instagram account in regards to the raids and protests in a metropolis he adopted as his personal in 1958.
“As an immigrant who came to this country 70 years ago, I know firsthand the hope, courage and determination it takes to build a new life in a new land,” Jarrín posted Tuesday. “I have always believed that immigration is not just part of the American story; it is the American story.”
“Los Angeles is my home,” Jarrín added in his Instagram put up. “This city is my family. And it breaks my heart to see the growing division in our community and across the country. We all deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and humanity.”
Former Dodgers Spanish language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín posted a message in help of immigrants and protestors following to weeks of ICE raids.
(Fernando Llano / Related Press)
The message from the Baseball Corridor of Fame inductee and Dodgers ambassador was celebrated whereas critics grew extra vocal opposing the group’s silence following ICE raids and protests within the Los Angeles space the previous two weeks. A Dodgers spokesman stated the group would announce plans to help immigrants on Thursday, nevertheless it delayed the announcement after turning away federal brokers who tried to make use of the group parking zone after conducting raids on the Hollywood Residence Depot and surrounding areas.
Jarrín is initially from Quito, Ecuador, and his first job on this nation was in a manufacturing facility in East Los Angeles. Over time, Jarrín grew to become the sports activities director for KWKW and a Dodgers broadcaster for greater than six many years. Jarrín labored alongside Valenzuela when he was a rookie in Main League Baseball in 1981, serving as his translator throughout Fernandomania within the Eighties. They later shared microphones within the radio sales space broadcasting Dodger video games in Spanish.
“In the face of the injustices and suffering we have witnessed, I am deeply proud of the thousands who have peacefully taken to the streets; raising their voices, refusing to be silenced. Their courage matters. Your presence matters. Do not be afraid. Stand strong. Stay present. Let your voice be heard,” added Jarrín.
President Donald Trump’s huge deportation orders have affected the skilled sports activities environment in Los Angeles. The video games usually draw Latinos and immigrants from a variety of nations. Tournaments such because the Gold Cup and the Membership World Cup misplaced followers as some stayed away from stadiums as a result of they feared potential raids or most popular to indicate solidarity with the demonstrations.
Of Los Angeles’ 12 skilled sports activities groups, as of Friday morning, solely two have issued public statements in regards to the raids. Angel Metropolis FC and LAFC have proven their help for the neighborhood because the protests started, whereas the Dodgers and Galaxy, with a closely Latino and immigrant fan bases, have remained silent.
Dodgers supervisor Dave Roberts has responded to some questions from reporters, however he has restricted his remarks to saying he understood that the neighborhood is “heartbroken” and stated the state of affairs was considerably “unsettling for everyone.”
Fan favourite Kiké Hernández took to his social networks to say he was “sad and enraged” at how immigrants have been handled, noting the town of Los Angeles had opened its arms to him.
The Puerto Rican participant, who helped the Dodgers win the World Collection final season, wrote: “Maybe I wasn’t born and raised here, but this city adopted me as if I was one of them. I am too sad and infuriated with everything that is going on in the country and in our city. Los Angeles and Dodger fans have opened their arms to me, supported me and shown me a lot of kindness and most of all a lot of LOVE! This is my second home,” posted Hernandez, who was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is in his second stint with the Dodgers after taking part in in L.A. from 2015-20 and getting back from 2023 to the current.
“I cannot tolerate watching our community continue to be violated, attacked, abused and separated. ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and their human rights. I stand with you!!! #CiudadDeImigrantes,” the Dodger wrote on Sunday, utilizing a hashtag referring to L.A. as a metropolis of immigrants in Spanish.
In the meantime, Maria Valenzuela, the daughter of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, spoke out towards the ICE raids.
“I am a proud daughter of immigrant parents. They came to this country with dreams bigger than borders. My mother followed her heart, and my father not only pitched for the Dodgers, but for all immigrants who believed they belonged in this country,” Maria Valenzuela posted on Instagram. “He helped shape a city and inspired generations of Mexicans to dream big. Behind the fame was the same immigrant story: sacrifice, struggle and endless work for a better future.”
This text first appeared in Spanish through L.A. Instances en Español.
