New York Yankees pays tribute to Octavio Dotel who died after a night club’s roof collapsed in Dominican Republic

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 12, 2025, 10:14 IST

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Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco and Nelson Cruz’s sister Nancy Cruz were killed among 221 people after a roof collapsed at a night club in Dominican Republic. The New York Yankees decided to pay tribute to Dotel. An ex MLB legend Eric Hosmer recalls memories of playing with Dotel.

New York Yankees pays tribute to Octavio Dotel who died after a night club’s roof collapsed in Dominican Republic

New York Yankees pays tribute to Octavio Dotel who died in after a night club’s roof collapsed in Dominican Republic (Image Source: Getty)

The tragedy that led to the deaths of over 221 people and injuries to over 200, also hit the MLB community, after they lost two key players — Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco and Nelson Cruz’s sister Nancy Cruz. The New York Yankees decided to pay tribute to Dotel, who played at least 15 MLB seasons.

New York Yankees pays tribute to Octavio Dotel

The New York Yankees took to X where they said they paid a tribute to the MLB legend Octavio Dotel. The team said:

“Prior to tonight’s game, we held a moment of silence in remembrance of former Yankees pitcher Octavio Dotel, who played 15 MLB seasons. We send our deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragedy at the Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic.”

In an unfortunate tragedy, Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco and Nelsy Cruz, who is ex MLB slugger Nelson Cruz’s sister -- were found dead on Tuesday early morning. The incident took place after a roof collapsed at Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic.
In connection to the matter, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had issued a statement where he said:
“Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz, and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family. The connection between baseball and the Dominican Republic runs deep, and we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans across the game today.”

Ex MLB legend Eric Hosmer recalls memories with Octavio Dotel

In yet another heartwarming moment, former Kansas City Royals’ legend and World Series champion, Eric Hosmer recalled memories about Octavio Dotel and the impact he had on major league baseball. He recalled the first time he played with him and said:
"I remember the first time we played Detroit, Octavio Dotel comes out of BP, and he has his sweater, he's ready to shag for Detroit and he's got his Gucci sunglasses on. Five or six of our guys run up to him, dap him up, give him a big high five, give him a bro hug.”
Further, Hosmer said:
“These guys all know him from winter ball and all that type of stuff. Dotel was one of these guys that so many people, so many professional big-league athletes looked up to from the D.R., so I can't even imagine the impact he had on the whole entire country alone."
Also Read: Octavio Dotel's wife Massiel Dotel shares heartbreaking tribute after his tragic death

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TOI Sports Desk

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