Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association announced a joint $1 million donation Tuesday to support recovery from last week's devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. The contribution goes to the American Red Cross to provide shelter, water, healthcare and mental health services for victims in Caracas, La Guaira and surrounding regions.

Venezuela's deep baseball roots make this disaster particularly resonant for the sport. The nation captured the World Baseball Classic championship in March and opened the season with 60 Venezuelan-born players on active rosters. Twin earthquakes measuring 7-plus magnitude struck the northern region, killing 1,719 people as of Monday with thousands still missing.

Personal connections hit close to home for several players. Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas revealed his family was staying just two blocks from building collapses, while Red Sox first baseman William Contreras broke down in tears after hitting a home run, struggling to play amid the tragedy in his homeland.

Other clubs joined the relief effort, with the Marlins and Padres each contributing $100,000, and Brewers players launching the "United for Venezuela" initiative. These combined efforts show baseball's commitment to supporting the Venezuelan community during this crisis.