CLEVELAND - Rougned Odor has ensured that his home country, Venezuela, will be represented in the Little League World Series.

Upon hearing that the Cacique Mara team from his hometown of Maracaibo had won the Latin American Regional but did not have money to obtain visas to travel to Williamsport, Pa., for the event, Odor decided to pay the fee. All other expenses are covered. The tournament begins on Aug. 15 with Venezuela playing Asia-Pacific champion South Korea, the home of Odor's teammate and friend Shin-Soo Choo. Maracaibo has represented Venezuela on 15 occasions in the Little League World Series, winning in 1994 and 2000.

Venezuela has been crippled by economic turmoil in recent years, leading to massive government protests. The U.S. Embassy in Venezuela has been temporarily closed since March.

In order to obtain visas, the team had to get visas in Panama after winning the Latin American regional tournament. Odor paid about $3,000 for visa costs for the team and coaches. He also sent each member of the team an autographed hat.

Last night’s hero keeps being a hero.



With visas funded by @RougnedOdor, his native Venezuelan Little League championship team will be traveling to the U.S. to compete in this year’s Little League World Series! 🇻🇪🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Eb3YTFsGTG — Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 4, 2019

"I always watch those games; they are fun," Odor said. "I wanted to help the kids and do what I can. I represented my country a couple of times [international tournaments], and I know what that means."

A year ago, it was infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa who had a vested interest in the Little League World Series. Kiner-Falefa, who grew up on Oahu, taped messages for the Hawaiian team, also from Oahu, on its way to winning the title.