Wilson Ramos of the Washington Nationals was kidnapped by gunmen Wednesday from his family's home in Venezuela, a spokeswoman for the Aragua Tigers said.
Ramos, who was back in his native country to play winter baseball with the Tigers, was taken from his mother's house in Valencia by four armed men, Tigers' spokeswoman Katherine Vilera said.
The Caracas newspaper, El Universal, said kidnappers had driven past the Ramos home twice before finally stopping and forcing Ramos into the vehicle. The catcher and his family had been outside the house when the gunmen took Ramos, the newspaper said.
The Washington Post said Ramos is believed to be the most high-profile baseball player kidnapped in Venezuela, the newspaper said.