OPINION: Chacin Citizenship Cuts Through Chaos
As I doom-scrolled through some of the jarring images and updates from Washington D.C. dominating my social media feed last Wednesday, one photo stood out from the rest.
It did not come from the riots taking place at our nation’s capital, but instead from an immigration office in Phoenix, Ariz. It was of former Brewers pitcher Jhoulys Chacin, standing in front of American and Department of Homeland Security flags while holding an American flag in one hand, and some newly acquired documentation in the other. The caption revealed why it was evident he was grinning ear to ear even beneath a mask: “U.S. Citizen.”
This post was breathtaking when juxtaposed with updates of U.S. Senators being ushered from the U.S. Capitol Building as a mob began to encroach and ultimately occupy the hallowed pillar of our democracy. Part of me wondered who could find time to take pride in their citizenship at a time like this? At the same time, it was a refreshing and necessary reality check.
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Chacin came to America in 2004 after signing as an undrafted free agent with the Colorado Rockies. Over his career, he has spent time in cities across the nation as a journeyman starter. In addition to his time with the Brewers, he has played for the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins and Arizona Diamondbacks.
While little positive or negative has been reported of his off-field activity, one story from 2017 stuck out. With a team from his hometown of Maracaibo representing Venezuela in the Little League World Series that year, Chacin and fellow countryman and major leaguer Rougned Odor combined to help their hometown team. Odor paid for flights for the team to the Venezuelan capital of Caracas to obtain U.S. Visas, while Chacin paid for the Visas themselves at about $170 a piece.
‘’I know how big a deal it is for the young guys ... so they deserve to go,” Chacin told the Associated Press at the time. “I’m glad I could help them come here to play in the Little League World Series. That was one of my dreams when I was young.”
Perhaps the most assuring thing about Chacin’s post last Wednesday in the midst of the tumult surrounding it was the reminder of the diversity our country encompasses. It was easy to be shocked and disheartened by what a segment of misinformed and misguided people decided to do last Wednesday, but that does not represent all of us.
America is still a place where, despite our ongoing challenges in seeking justice and equality, people across the world in some of the darkest shadows of oppression find hope. It remains a country where little leaguers to major leaguers of all backgrounds can pursue and achieve their dreams, and where citizenship for at least some non-native born recipients is still considered a badge of honor.
Congratulations Jhoulys, America is just as proud to have you.
