Octavio Dotel Honored by MLB Groups After Tragic Passing

3:24 PM PT — The commissioner of Major League Baseball, Robert Manfred, publicly expressed his grief over the loss of Dotel, alongside the passing of Nelson Cruz’s sister, Nelsy, and former player Tony Blanco. Manfred stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of everyone affected, particularly to our colleague Nelson and his entire family during this difficult time.”

“The bond between baseball and the Dominican Republic is profound, and today we are thinking of all the Dominican players and fans connected to the sport,” he added, highlighting the enduring relationship and cultural significance of baseball within the Dominican community.

The New York Mets honored former player Octavio Dotel on Tuesday, just hours after a tragic incident involving a nightclub roof collapse that resulted in the loss of the World Series champion in the Dominican Republic.

Prior to the team’s match against the Miami Marlins, the Mets observed a moment of silence in memory of Dotel, who made his Major League debut with the team in June 1999, reflecting on his significant contributions to the franchise.

In addition to the moment of silence, team manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the heartbreaking event during his pre-game press conference, emphasizing the impact of Dotel’s loss on the community and the baseball world.

“We have a large Dominican community within the baseball industry,” he stated. “Our prayers are with their families during this tragic time.” Mendoza’s heartfelt words highlighted the unity and support among players and fans alike.

The team with which Dotel spent the majority of his career, the Houston Astros, also released a statement expressing their profound sadness over his passing, stating that they were “heartbroken” by the tragic news.

“A true workhorse, Dotel’s team-leading 159 appearances in 2002-03 were second in the Majors during that period, where he maintained an impressive 2.15 ERA,” further emphasizing his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.

Dotel was among the at least 44 victims who perished after the roof of the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo collapsed during the early hours of Tuesday morning. Rescue efforts are still ongoing as teams work tirelessly to reach approximately 100 individuals trapped beneath the debris, showcasing the community’s resilience in the face of tragedy.

The MLB insider Héctor Gómez was the first to report that the 51-year-old Dotel was pulled from the rubble; however, he later confirmed that Dotel succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital, highlighting the tragic nature of this event.