'HIS LEGACY WILL REMAIN'

Second MLB Star Dies in Horrifying Night Club Collapse

Tony Blanco was confirmed dead alongside MLB star Octavio Otel.

A second former major league baseball star has been confirmed dead following a nightclub roof collapse in the Dominican Republic Tuesday morning. The Dominican Republic Ministry of Sports and Recreation confirmed the death of former first baseman Tony Blanco, 43, on X, writing: “We deeply regret the passing of former Major Leaguer, Tony Blanco. His legacy will remain in the history of national baseball.” Blanco played in the minor leagues with the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, reaching the majors in 2005 with the Washington Nationals. He continued his career in Japan’s Nippon Baseball League for eight seasons, playing for the Orix Buffaloes, Chunichi Dragons, and Yokohama Bay Stars. He wrapped up his baseball career playing for the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Winter League, before retiring in 2017. Blanco’s son, Tony Blanco Jr., followed his father’s footsteps in the sport and is currently a Pittsburg Pirates prospect. Octavio Otel was the first former MLB star reported dead after the roof collapse at the Jet Set club. Former MLB player Esteban Germán, who played for the Texas Rangers, was also at the club, but left shortly before the collapse. According to Dominican Republic police, at least 66 deaths have been confirmed so far as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble.