Former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel, 51, died on Tuesday following a roof collapse at the Jetset Club in Santo Domingo during a concert, which resulted in at least 78 fatalities and over 160 injuries. Dotel’s death was confirmed by local officials and the Dominican Professional Baseball League, which expressed condolences to his family. The New York Mets held a moment of silence before their game, as did the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pedro Martinez, a Hall of Fame pitcher and Dominican icon, shared his grief on social media, mentioning his own family’s concerns amidst the tragedy. Among the deceased was former MLB player Tony Blanco, who had a brief stint with the Nationals and later played in Japan, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Christi and sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, who succumbed to injuries. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark also expressed their sorrow over the incident, highlighting the deep connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic.
Dotel, who debuted in MLB in 1999 and retired in 2014, was part of the 2011 World Series-winning St. Louis Cardinals and held the record for playing with 13 teams. He was instrumental in the Dominican Republic’s triumph in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, finishing his career with a record of 59-50, 109 saves, and a 3.78 ERA.
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