CARACAS, Venezuela — President Hugo Chavez and several members of his Cabinet took to the field yesterday for a slow-pitch softball game with some of Venezuela’s past and present major leaguers.
Among the players on hand were Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus and former Reds shortstop David Concepcion.
Chavez wore a jacket bearing the image of Venezuela’s flag as he walked onto the diamond for a pre-game ceremony. He presented the major leaguers with a medal of honor named after Venezuelan independence hero Francisco de Miranda.
The president then pitched two innings and allowed seven runs. Rodriguez, who finished his first season as a Met with 35 saves and 73 strikeouts, gave up 11 runs during three innings.
Chavez’s team won 14-12.