D-backs' Escobar 'blessed to be able to help'

Growing up in Maracay, Venezuela, Eduardo Escobar knew what it was like to be hungry.

So when the D-backs' third baseman has an opportunity to give back to the community, he jumps at it.

It’s why he is the D-backs' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers, as it recognizes a player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

“I grew up and I had nothing,” Escobar said. “I remember asking other people for food to eat or a place to sleep. Now, I’m blessed, and it’s my opportunity to bring a smile to other people.”

One of the most popular players in the clubhouse for his upbeat nature and big heart, Escobar and his wife, Eucaris, have made it their mission to support students and families who are working to break the cycle of poverty.

In 2019, Escobar made frequent school visits in Arizona. He delivered new baseball gloves to the students of Valencia Newcomer School, which is a specialized school for children who have recently relocated to the United States from all over the world, including Venezuela.

“I’m a big league player because God blessed me a lot,” Escobar said. “It’s why I love to help people, because I know what they’re going through. I am blessed to be able to help. No one tells me that I have to help. I help because I feel in my heart that God gave me the blessings He gave so I can help other people. Every time I help give people a smile, it’s the best gift in my life.”

Escobar also made visits last year to nearby North High School, where he ended up inviting players to a D-backs game; the MLB All-Star Arizona Diamondbacks Boys & Girls Club, where he delivered brand new toys and video games; and he invited the top scholars from local high school baseball and softball programs that are part of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation’s “Chase Your Dreams” program to dinner at Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao.

Fogo de Chao is Escobar’s favorite restaurant. In 2019, when he hit 35 homers and drove in 118 runs, his teammates liked to say that it was the result of “Fogo Power,” even getting T-shirts made with the slogan on it.

This year they had shirts made that said “I’m proud of you! Congratulations!” on the front, which are two phrases he repeats constantly in the clubhouse.

Even through the team’s struggles this season as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, Escobar has found ways to give back to the community.

He made numerous school visits before the pandemic hit; after it did, he worked with teammate Stephen Vogt to deliver gift cards to healthcare heroes at Banner Health and Dignity Health to support meals for hospital staff.

In total, $20,000 in gift cards were purchased.

“No matter what happens, I never bring my problems to my job or my community or when it comes to helping people,” Escobar said. “Everything I can do for people, I will do.”