When the Atlanta Braves agreed to let Ronald Acuña Jr play in Venezuela for the Tiburones de La Guaira in the winter league, it was originally only supposed to be for five games and as the Designated Hitter. Five games turned into ten and an appearance in the Home Run Derby.
Acuña hit .441/.513/.647 with 2 HR in his ten games. He also won the Home Run Derby. A huge confidence boost for the superstar who is still getting right following the 2021 knee injury.
However, it might not be the most notable news from Ronald Acuña‘s time in Venezuela. Reports came out today that Ronnie decided to donate all of his Venezuelan League salary and Home Run Derby winnings to the Roger Blanco Foundation.
Classy gesture by #Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr, who donated to needy children both his Venezuelan winter league salary and prize money from winning the league’s Home Run Derby.https://t.co/bZpgebphwF
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) December 16, 2022
They will be in charge of organizing a party to benefit the children of La Guaira with Acuña’s donation. The foundation said in a post on their Instagram page said, “We will create smiles, cheer hearts, and above all give a lot of love.”
Good for Ronald Acuña Jr. The original intention for him going down there was for him to get some confidence in his knee and for the Braves to keep him happy. All the videos coming from there seemed to show Ronnie having a great time and playing well.
Ronald Acuña Jr. wins the Venezuelan Home Run Derby and the fans storm the field! pic.twitter.com/NTm6Y3Fdlr
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) November 29, 2022
He helps justify the decision even further by donating some money to the charity that will benefit some children back in his home. That is a guy that understands what it is all about.
The Atlanta Braves are lucky to have Ronald Acuña Jr. Hopefully, we get the full experience again in 2023.