Nationals catcher Ramos excited to play after kidnapping ordeal

From his demeanor and relaxed look, you’d have no idea that Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos had been through one of the most harrowing ordeals of his young life just a few months ago. Ramos was kidnapped for ransom in his native country of Venezuela on November 9, 2011, setting off a 50 hour crisis for the young player’s safety in well being. Kidnappings are unfortunately all too common in Venezuela for athletes, but it was clear that the kidnappers were only looking for money – not for Ramos’ life.

After his rescue, Ramos almost immediately returned to the field, opting to play for his local Aragua Tigres rather than flee to the United States. In the remaining few weeks of play, he posted a very respectable .450 batting average, using baseball to keep his mind off the incident.

Ramos reported to the Washington Nationals training camp in Viera, Florida this past Monday, ready and focused on the upcoming season. He did return with a new tattoo emblazoned on his left forearm, “It includes a flock of doves and a biblical quote in Spanish, which translated reads: “I put everything in Jesus, because he’s got my back.”

Read more at CSN Washington.