February 19, 2005

Pitcher Relieved: Venezuelan police commandos have rescued Urgueth Urbina's mother, five months after she was kidnapped by crooks seeking ransom money from the major leaguer. They originally asked for $3 million, which is around what Urbina earns a season.

posted by rcade to baseball at 12:36 PM - 4 comments

Glad to read that she's home safely though one wonders about the longterm effects of five months' confinement.

posted by billsaysthis at 01:25 PM on February 19, 2005

From what I've heard, this is more often than not a viable entrpreneurial activity in those parts. Many are kiddnapped, many pay and the whole sick saga continues. The authorities are simply incapable or unwilling to do anything about it. This is simply my impression - anyone with any personal experience, feel free to chime in.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:51 PM on February 19, 2005

Not to knock the guy, but I don't understand how Urbina resisted the urge to blow a year's salary to get his mom back.

posted by rcade at 02:10 PM on February 19, 2005

Is there any guarantee that paying would work? I don't see a lot of social contracts in kiddnapping. Would paying not precipitate a greater demand in Urbina's case because of his relatively vast wealth? Just throwing it out there. Plus, maybe he didn't have it.

posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:15 PM on February 19, 2005

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