Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who once held the record for playing with 13 teams, died after a tragic roof collapse at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during a merengue concert. He was 51 years old. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning and led to the deaths of at least 67 people and injuries to many others, according to reports.

Initially, it was reported that Dotel had been rescued but later confirmations indicated he did not survive the disaster. Rescuers were still searching for potential survivors in the debris as the full scale of the tragedy unfolded, with many people still unaccounted for. Besides Dotel, former MLB player Tony Blanco was also confirmed dead, as well as Nelsy Cruz, the governor of the Monte Cristi province and sister to MLB star Nelson Cruz.

Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed deep sadness over the loss of Dotel, Blanco, and other victims, stating, “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” (CBS News).

Dotel, who began his MLB career in 1999 after signing with the New York Mets, transitioned from a starter to a successful reliever, finishing with a career total of 1,143 strikeouts in 951 innings and earning a World Series championship in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. His remarkable ability on the mound secured him a place in MLB history as he took the field for 13 different teams, a record later surpassed by Edwin Jackson in 2019.

The tragedy deeply affected the baseball community, with organizations and fans expressing their grief. The Professional Baseball League of the Dominican Republic stated their condolences for the passing of Dotel, highlighting the impact of his legacy in baseball.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety standards in public venues. Investigations are likely to be launched to determine the cause of the collapse, which has already resulted in a significant loss of life and shocked the sports world. More details about the victims and the wider implications will continue to emerge as the community mourns the loss of these beloved figures (HuffPost, SFGate).

For more information on the ongoing investigation and reflections on Dotel’s remarkable career, click here.