Another MLB player dead in Dominican roof collapse
Photo credit: https://www.people.com
Another former major leaguer has been identified as victim of the tragic Jet Set nightclub accident in the Dominican Republic. Following the announcement that former pitcher Octavio Dotel was killed when the roof collapsed, it has been revealed that former Washington Nationalsutility player Tony Blanco was also among the victims.
The total number of victims is now 98, with many more injured and missing.
Blanco played 56 games for the Nationals in 2005, his sole major league season. However, he found success in Japan where he spent eight seasons and was a four time All-Star and central league batting champion, suiting up for three teams - the Chunichi Dragons, Yokohama DeNa Bay Stars, and Orix Buffaloes.
Initially signed by the Boston Red Sox, Blanco was Rule 5 pick of the Nationals before being signed by the Dragons in 2009. He finished his first NPB season with 39 HRs and 110 RBIs. He also won the home run derby prior to that year's All-Star game.
He finished his major league career with a .177/.215/.274 slash line with one home run and seven RBIs. In his nine year NPB career, he hit .272 with 181 homers and 542 RBIs.
Former home run leader and seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz also suffered a loss. His sister Nelsy, who was Governor of the Dominican Republic's Monte Cristi Province, was killed in the tragedy, which also claimed the life of famed singer Rubby Perez, who was performing when the roof fell in.
Blue Jays Central sends its condolences to the Blanco, Cruz, and Perez families.
Previously on Blue Jays Central
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