Young Venezuelan players get ready for US Major League Baseball

Two young Venezuelans this month signed contracts with million dollar-bonuses for major league baseball teams in the United States, becoming the highest-priced prospects from the South American country in years. Jose Perdomo and Yovany Rodriguez, both 17 years old, received million-dollar bonuses from the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, respectively, after signing their professional baseball contracts.

Two young Venezuelans this month signed contracts with million dollar-bonuses for major league baseball teams in the United States, becoming the highest-priced prospects from the South American country in years.

Jose Perdomo and Yovany Rodriguez, both 17 years old, received million-dollar bonuses from the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets, respectively, after signing their professional baseball contracts. Baseball is popular in Venezuela which has sent players to teams in the United States for decades. For many young people and their families, the sport is considered a ticket out of poverty.

While major league teams once had academies in the country to train young stars, Venezuela's economic collapse led them to withdraw, leaving only local training organizations to help talented players reach U.S. teams. "My mom always took me to the stadium, alongside my dad … I really feel that without the support that God gives me and the support of my family, none of this would be a reality," Perdomo said during practice in San Diego, a town in Venezuela's Carabobo state.

Perdomo, who plays shortstop and whose bonus from the Atlanta Braves is about $5 million, said he began training with his father at age three. "My uncle played with (local team) Tiburones de La Guaira, I watched him on television. I had the opportunity to go to the stadium several times and he was always an inspiration for me and I always wanted to be like him," said Rodriguez, who plays catcher.

Rodriguez was born in Miranda state. His signing bonus for the New York Mets is worth some $2.8 million. For now, Perdomo and Rodriguez practice together while they prepare for their new homes.

Their coach, Miguel Acuna, said Perdomo and Rodriguez are "above the average level required to play in the big leagues. That's what makes the difference in each of these players."