Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and World Series champion, has tragically passed away in a roof collapse at the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo, according to multiple sources, including Diario Libre. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and while details are still emerging, reports indicate that nearly 45 people have died, including Nelsy Cruz, the sister of seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz. Rescue efforts are ongoing. Initial reports suggested Dotel was pulled from the rubble alive, but he was later pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Dotel was 51 years old.
Former MLB Star Octavio Dotel Passes Away
Dotel is a native of Santo Domingo who played for 13 teams over 15 seasons in the majors from 1999 to 2013. Originally signed by the New York Mets, Dotel was traded to the Houston Astros following his MLB debut in 1999. Dotel spent five seasons in Houston, where he developed into one of the top setup men of the National League. After becoming the closer in Houston in 2004, Dotel was part of a blockbuster three-team trade with the Athletics and Kansas City Royals. He continued to close games as a member of the A’s, finishing the season with a career-high 36 saves.
Dotel pitched effectively into his late 30s, winning a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. He posted a 2.61 ERA with two wins over 12 postseason appearances that season. He returned to the World Series the following season with the Detroit Tigers, throwing five scoreless innings over six postseason appearances. The Tigers fell to the San Francisco Giants in four games.
In addition to his World Series title, Dotel made history as part of the 2013 World Baseball Classic champions. Along with fellow Dominicans Robinson Canó and Santiago Casilla, he became one of the few players in history to win both a World Series and a World Baseball Classic. Fernando Rodney, Pedro Strop, Edison Volquez and Kelvin Herrera later joined this exclusive group of players to achieve both prestigious titles.
Dotel is survived by his wife, Massiel, and their children, Eduardo and Nicole.
More to come.
Main Photo: © Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
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