Three Strikes: A Tragedy in the MLB Community
The MLB community and fans are all saddened to hear about the tragic deaths of former Major League players Tony Blanco and Octavio Dotel, as well as Nelsy Cruz, sister of Dominican-American Baseball player Nelson Cruz. All three were in attendance at “Jet Set” nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
In the early hours of Tuesday March 8, 2025 the roof of the night club is said to have caved in, collapsing, and trapping over 300 people. The cause of the collapse is still unknown, with many details to follow as law enforcement saves those still alive and investigate the cause. As of 6:40 pm on the day of the incident, there is to be said about 155 people who have already been moved to hospitals and killed 66 more. As rescue teams are still working to recover those who are trapped, families of the victims have made their way to the scene with pictures of their loved ones.
Dotel’s education academy “Colegio Sabiduría y Baluarte” released a statement, mourning the loss of their colleague saying he leaves “an indelible mark on all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him”. While the MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred and the Dominican Sports Ministry said “We share in their grief with their family, friends, and colleagues, and we offer our prayers for their eternal rest” on behalf of Tony Blanco.
Alongside Blanco and Dotel, former player Nelson Cruz’s sister, Nelsy Cruz, the governor of Monte Cristi province, was among those who died. Her remains are on display at the Provincial Government of Monte Cristi Tuesday afternoon, and a funeral held at her family’s residence Tuesday night. Her family writes “We thank all those who have expressed their love and solidarity during this difficult time. Her legacy of service and love for others will live forever in our hearts”.
While rescue efforts continue for all the other victims, the loss of Blanco, Dotel, and Cruz has left a void too big to fill in the MLB and the Dominican Republic community. Focus remains on the legacy left by all victims, as well as survivors. Blanco, Dotel, and Cruz’s memory will forever remain in the hearts and minds of friends, family, and fans, and will never forget their contributions to sport, service, and love for others.
Tatyana Da Silva
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Writer
