During the MLB playoffs, when someone hits a home run or pitches a strikeout, he often looks to his family in the stands to celebrate. Philadelphia Phillies' Nick Castellanos' son, Liam, is practically part of the team since the camera pans to his reaction every time his dad hits a home run. But relief pitcher José Alvarado has thrown 82 pitches so far this postseason for the Phillies—and his mother and children haven't been able to see a single one. And the United States' immigration system is to blame.
Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Alvarado dropped out of school at age 14 to help his family manage their farm. He originally took a liking to soccer, but, left-handed, he learned he had an advantage as a baseball pitcher. Alvarado made his MLB debut in 2017 with the Tampa Bay Rays and was traded to the Phillies in 2020. That year was the last time he was able to hug his children. His mother and two of his three children had visas that expired in 2020.
