The ongoing floods in Houston as a result of Hurricane Harvey have had a profound impact on a number of athletes who live or lived in the area.
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is among them. The 2017 National League MVP candidate grew up in The Woodlands, a suburb of Houston.
"I hate to admit this, but I didn't really realize how serious it was (at first). I'm not a guy who watches the news, so I didn't really know what was going on," Goldschmidt said Tuesday before the D-backs hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field.
"My family said they're OK, but you know, now realizing how serious it is, it's pretty crazy. You've got friends and families that are being evacuated and hoping their homes are going to be OK. You definitely feel helpless. I'm sure the families there feel even worse."
Goldschmidt said he's texted friends in and around Houston to ensure they're safe and to let them know he's praying for them.
Paul Goldschmidt, who grew up in a Houston suburb, offers his thoughts about the flooding in Houston. pic.twitter.com/7Oe6IxaRt7
— ABC15 Sports (@abc15sports) August 29, 2017
"I've reached out a little bit and they texted me back, said they're doing OK. But I don't want to bother them too much. We can't really do anything to help," he said.
Goldschmidt said he can't recall a storm as nasty as Harvey to hit the area while he lived there. But he's been inspired by the countless number of stories of heroism amid the catastrophic damage in the city.
"It's pretty scary. You feel helpless," he said. "But I know everyone's doing the best they can. People are trying to help their neighbors.
"You've already heard great stories, so hopefully you (keep hearing about) that, those stories of people coming together. I know they will there as best they can in such a terrible, scary time."
