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Octavio Dotel Dies In Roof Collapse Tragedy

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Former major leaguer Octavio Dotel has died in a tragic accident, Major League Baseball confirmed. The news was first reported by multiple outlets in the Dominican Republic, including Diario Libre. The roof of the Jet Set club in Santo Domingo collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning. As of Tuesday night, at least 98 people have lost their lives while nearly 200 more were injured, according to The Associated Press. Dotel was 51 years old.

Exact details of the tragic situation are difficult to pin down, but it appears hundreds of people were in the venue for a concert when the collapse happened. Dozens of people have been pulled out alive but many have died and the figures are likely to change. Dotel was reportedly trapped for about 11 hours before being rescued and initially survived, but was declared dead after being taken to a hospital.

Dotel was well known to baseball fans because he pitched in the majors for over a decade and bounced around to various teams. He made his major league debut with the Mets in 1999, working in a swing role. He was traded to the Astros ahead of the 2000 season and continued to work both out of the rotation and the bullpen for a while.

He eventually moved into a primary relief role and had more success. Though his earned run average was over 5.00 in both 1999 and 2000, he posted a 2.66 ERA in 2001. He tossed 105 innings over 61 appearances, only four of those being starts.

He continued working as a solid reliever for years after that, bouncing to the Athletics, Yankees, Royals, Braves, White Sox, Pirates, Dodgers, Rockies, Blue Jays, Cardinals and Tigers. He finished his career with a 3.78 ERA in 758 games. He recorded 109 saves and 127 holds. He won the World Series with the Cardinals in 2011. He was a part of a combined no-hitter with the Astros in 2003. He retired in 2014.

We at MLB Trade Rumors send our deepest condolences to Dotel’s family, friends and fans, as well as the hundreds of others who have been impacted by this awful event.

Photo courtesy of Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images

Tommie Reynolds Passes Away

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Former big league outfielder Tommie Reynolds passed away last week at 83. His obituary is available from a Florida funeral home.

Reynolds signed with the then-Kansas City Athletics as a 21-year-old. He reached the majors that season and appeared in eight games. Reynolds didn’t play much over his first two seasons but got into 90 games in 1965. He hit .237/.327/.311 across 308 plate appearances. The A’s kept him in Triple-A for the entire ’66 season.

The Mets plucked Reynolds in that offseason’s Rule 5 draft. He hit .206 while operating mostly as a pinch-hitter during his lone MLB season in Queens. The situation reversed the following year. New York kept Reynolds in Triple-A throughout 1968. After that season, the A’s brought him back as a Rule 5 pick of their own. The righty-swinging Reynolds had his best season in his return to his original team (then based in Oakland). He hit .257 and reached base at a strong .343 clip over a personal-high 363 trips to the plate.

The A’s dealt Reynolds to the California Angels after the season. He played two seasons there and finished his career with a brief stint for the Brewers in 1972. Reynolds finished as a lifetime .226/.306/.296 hitter over parts of eight MLB seasons.

After his playing days, Reynolds joined Tony La Russa’s coaching staffs in Oakland and St. Louis. He was the bench coach on the A’s 1989 World Series team. According to his obituary, he subsequently spent two decades serving as a deacon in the San Diego area. MLBTR sends our condolences to Reynolds’ family, loved ones, friends and former teammates.

Art Schallock Passes Away

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Former World Series champion Art Schallock passed away last week, according to multiple reports. He was 100 and had held the title of oldest living former MLB player.

Schallock was a native of Mill Valley, California. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers going into the 1947 season. The Dodgers traded him to the Yankees midway through the 1951 campaign. Schallock started six of 11 appearances as a rookie, working to a 3.88 earned run average across 46 2/3 innings. The Yankees defeated the Giants in six games in the World Series. Schallock didn’t make an appearance.

The 5’9″ southpaw bounced between the Bronx and the minors over the next few seasons. The Yankees won the World Series again in both 1952 and ’53. Schallock made an appearance in the latter Series, tossing two innings of one-run ball. He played in New York into 1955, when the Orioles claimed him off waivers. Schallock finished his career in Baltimore, where he worked to a 4.15 ERA across a personal-high 80 1/3 innings.

Over parts of five seasons, he pitched to a 4.02 earned run average in 170 1/3 innings. He recorded 77 strikeouts over his 58 appearances. MLBTR sends our condolences to Schallock’s family, friends and loved ones.

José Valdivielso Passes Away

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Former MLB shortstop José Valdivielso passed away on Tuesday. He was 90 years old. His obituary is available courtesy of a New York funeral home.

Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Valdivielso made his MLB debut with the Washington Senators in 1955. He earned a down-ballot MVP vote at the end of his rookie season. Valdivielso would later move with the organization to Minnesota when the Senators became the team known today as the Twins. Over 401 games from 1955-1961, the 6-foot-1 infielder recorded 201 hits and scored 89 runs. Primarily a shortstop, he also appeared in a handful of games at both second and third base. He is well-remembered among Cuban fans for making the final out in the only all-Cuban triple play (h/t Francys Romero).

Although he played his last MLB game in 1961, Valdivielso spent three more seasons in the minor leagues from 1962-64. Following his playing career, he worked on the Spanish-language radio broadcast teams for both the Yankees and Mets. He was also well respected for his work with the MLB Players Alumni Association.

We at MLB Trade Rumors offer our deepest condolences to Valdivielso’s family and friends, as well as everyone whose life he touched throughout his career in baseball.

Bobby Malkmus Passes Away

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Former big league infielder Bobby Malkmus has passed away at 93. His obituary is available courtesy of a New Jersey funeral home.

Malkmus was a Newark native. A 5’9″ second baseman, he reached the majors with the 1957 Milwaukee Braves team that won the World Series. Malkmus appeared in 13 games as a rookie. The Washington Senators selected him in the Rule 5 draft the following offseason. He spent two years in a depth role before landing with the Phillies via another Rule 5 selection.

The righty-hitting infielder concluded his career with parts of three seasons for Philadelphia. He appeared in a career-high 121 games in 1961, hitting .231/.276/.327 with seven homers and 31 RBI while playing good defense at three infield positions. He received one NL MVP vote, finishing 22nd on the ballot. Malkmus finished his playing days as a .215/.265/.301 hitter in parts of six MLB seasons.

After his playing career, Malkmus worked as a minor league manager and scout. He began scouting for Cleveland in 1980 and continued in that role in a part-time capacity into the 2010s. MLBTR sends our condolences to Malkmus’ family, friends, loved ones and former colleagues.

Guardians Owner Larry Dolan Passes Away At 94

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The Guardians announced Monday that owner Larry Dolan has passed away at the age of 94. Dolan purchased the franchise back in 2000 for a reported sale price of $323MM. He served as the then-Indians’ control person through 2013, when his son, Paul, succeeded him in that regard. The team has released a tribute video honoring Larry’s life and contributions to the community.

“We are saddened by the loss of our Dad, but lucky to have him as part of our lives as long as we did,” Paul said in a statement on behalf of the family. “He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was passionate about his family, work, our community and his love of our local sports teams, including owning the Cleveland Guardians.”

The Dolan family has owned the franchise for a quarter of a century now, but plans were set in motion for a change back in 2022. David Blitzer, who co-owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, purchased a 25-30% stake in the team that June.

In addition to the purchase of that minority stake, a plan was implemented for Blitzer to see his share of the club grow to a majority stake over a six-year period. The current distribution of ownership shares isn’t clear, but there’s been nothing to suggest that Blitzer is not still in line to become the majority owner in a few years’ time.

“Mr. Dolan invested his entire life in Greater Cleveland and impacted our community on so many level,” Guardians senior vice president of public affairs Bob DiBiasio said within the team’s release. “From his service to our country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marines, his many philanthropic acts of kindness, career in law, business, education, and sports, many benefited from his engagement, influence, and passion. Especially in the world of sports. We are forever grateful for his passion in supporting the Northeast Ohio community and our franchise; through his initial leadership the Dolan family continues to be the longest tenured owners in franchise history.”

Though the franchise is still seeking its first World Series win since 1948, there’s little denying the broad-reaching success achieved during the Dolan family’s ownership tenure. Since 2000, Cleveland has won seven division titles, secured another pair of Wild Card berths and advanced to the 2016 World Series, where they fell to the Cubs in a seven-game classic. Cleveland has won 2046 games under the Dolan family, compared to 1902 losses. The Guardians’ player development staff has become one of the most well-respected groups in the entire sport — particularly when it comes to developing young pitching.

While Cleveland typically ranks in the bottom-third of the league in terms of player payroll, that player development prowess has kept the Guards in contention more often than not and again has them in place to contend in the American League Central, even as formerly rebuilding clubs like the Tigers and Royals more firmly emerge as win-now competitors. While Larry won’t see his beloved club reach baseball’s pinnacle, he’ll leave a legacy of competitive teams that can’t be matched by the majority of comparably payroll-limited clubs. We at MLBTR offer heartfelt condolences to the Dolan family and the entire organization.

Eddie Fisher Passes Away

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Former All-Star Eddie Fisher passed away on Monday at 88. His obituary was provided by an Oklahoma funeral home.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Fisher moved to Oklahoma as a child. He attended OU before signing with the Giants in 1958. A knuckleballer, Fisher reached the majors within a year of signing his pro contract. He pitched sparingly over three seasons with San Francisco. The Giants included the 6’2″ righty in a trade package to the White Sox for veteran pitchers Billy Pierce and Don Larsen during the 1961-62 offseason.

Fisher spent parts of five seasons in Chicago. Working primarily as a long reliever, he rattled off four straight years with at least 120 innings and a sub-4.00 earned run average. Fisher had his best season in 1965, when he turned in a 2.40 ERA while leading the American League in appearances (82) and WHIP (0.974). He made his lone All-Star appearance, where he tossed two scoreless innings. Fisher finished fourth in AL MVP balloting behind Zoilo Versalles and future Hall of Famers Tony Oliva and Brooks Robinson.

It was more of the same in ’66. Fisher carried a 2.29 ERA over 35 1/3 innings for the White Sox, who swapped him to the Orioles for middle infielder Jerry Adair that June. Fisher tossed 71 2/3 frames with a 2.64 mark down the stretch for Baltimore. The O’s went on to win the World Series, getting Fisher the only ring of his career. He didn’t make an appearance in the Fall Classic. Baltimore’s sweep of the Dodgers included complete game shutouts from Jim Palmer, Wally Bunker and Dave McNally, so they had little need to use their bullpen.

Fisher continued to soak up innings out of the ’pen for multiple teams into the 1970s. He pitched one more season with Baltimore and spent four years with the California Angels, for whom he turned in a 3.22 ERA. He had a brief second stint with the White Sox and wrapped his career with the Cardinals in ’73.

He concluded a 15-year big league run with a 3.41 earned run average in more than 1500 innings. Fisher won 85 games and recorded 812 strikeouts. He finished 344 contests and was credited with 82 saves (most of them retroactively because the stat wasn’t officially tracked by MLB until 1969). MLBTR sends condolences to Fisher’s family, friends and loved ones.

Scott Sauerbeck Passes Away

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Former major league reliever Scott Sauerbeck has passed away, the Pirates announced on Thursday morning. He was 53.

Sauerbeck was a Cincinnati native who attended Miami University in Ohio. The Mets selected him in the 23rd round of the 1994 draft. Sauerbeck pitched four years in the New York system. They lost him to the Pirates in the ’98 Rule 5 draft. The 6’3″ southpaw would spend the majority of his career in Pittsburgh.

As a rookie, Sauerbeck fired 67 2/3 innings with an even 2.00 earned run average. He tossed a career-high 75 2/3 frames the following season, posting a 4.04 ERA. He struggled in ’01 but rebounded with arguably his best season the year after that. Sauerbeck pitched to a 2.30 ERA across 62 2/3 innings while striking out nearly 28% of opposing hitters.

Pittsburgh dealt Sauerbeck to the Red Sox at the ’03 trade deadline. While he struggled down the stretch in Boston, the deal allowed him to pitch in the postseason for the only time. He made one appearance in that year’s ALCS loss to the Yankees. Sauerbeck missed the following season to injury. He concluded his career with brief stints in Cleveland and Oakland.

Over parts of seven seasons, Sauerbeck pitched to a 3.82 ERA. He recorded 20 wins, struck out 389 hitters, and finished 98 games. MLBTR sends our condolences to his family, loved ones, former teammates and friends.

Jim Todd Passes Away

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Former major league pitcher Jim Todd passed away earlier this month at 77. A right-handed reliever, he pitched six seasons in the majors during the 1970s.

The Cubs selected Todd in the ’69 draft coming out of Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He was a starter throughout his minor league career but moved to the bullpen upon reaching the majors in 1974. Todd pitched to a 3.89 earned run average across 88 innings for the Cubs as a rookie. Chicago dealt him to the A’s that offseason.

Todd had his best season for Oakland in 1975. He recorded 12 saves while turning in a 2.29 ERA over 122 innings out of the bullpen. He received a down-ballot MVP vote in the process. Todd pitched in all three games of the ’75 AL Championship Series. Oakland was swept by the Red Sox in what would be his only career playoff action. Todd spent another four years in the majors, alternating good and bad seasons while splitting his time between the A’s, Cubs and Mariners.

Over parts of six seasons, Todd posted a 4.23 earned run average across 511 major league innings. He struck out 194 hitters, picked up 25 wins, and recorded 24 saves. He finished 119 of 270 career appearances. According to his obituary, Todd had a career in real estate after his playing days concluded. MLBTR sends our condolences to his family, friends, loved ones and former teammates.

Rich Dauer Passes Away

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The Orioles announced this afternoon that longtime infielder and coach Rich Dauer has passed away. He was 72.

A native of San Bernardino, Dauer attended the University of Southern California. He starred on the Trojans’ back-to-back College World Series teams in 1973 and ’74. The Orioles drafted him with the 24th overall pick in 1974. The righty-swinging infielder hit .336 in Triple-A during the ’76 season to earn a cup of coffee in the big leagues. He opened the following season as Baltimore’s second baseman, hitting .243 over 96 games as a rookie.

That was the first of nine straight seasons in which Dauer was in Baltimore’s Opening Day lineup (eight of them at second base). While he was never a huge power threat, he carved out a lengthy career behind his sure-handed defense and elite contact skills. After his rookie year, Dauer never struck out in more than 7% of his plate appearances in a season. He ranked among the American League’s top four second basemen in fielding percentage each year between 1980-83.

Dauer set his career high with nine home runs in 1979. Baltimore won the pennant that season. Dauer hit .294 over six games in that year’s Fall Classic, but the O’s dropped the series to the Pirates. They made it back to the World Series four years later. Baltimore knocked off the Phillies in five games. Dauer appeared in all five contests to earn his first ring.

Over a playing career that spanned parts of 10 seasons, Dauer hit .257/.310/.343. He hit 43 homers and connected on 193 doubles, including a career-high 32 doubles in a 1980 campaign in which he hit .284. He spent his entire playing career with the Orioles, who honored him with induction into the franchise’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

Dauer’s involvement in the sport extended well beyond his playing days. He spent more than three decades in the coaching ranks. He was on major league staffs for the Cleveland, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Colorado and Houston organizations and spent some time as a manager in the San Diego farm system. He earned a second World Series ring with the 2017 Astros, for whom he coached first base.

Dauer slipped and injured his head the night before Houston’s championship parade that year. While the severity of the injury initially wasn’t clear, his condition worsened during the parade. Dauer was taken to the emergency room, where doctors identified a significant brain bleed. He required emergency surgery that came with a grim prognosis but overcame what doctors eventually revealed was around a 3% survival chance. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic covered the story at the time. Dauer had already decided to retire from coaching before the head injury, but he returned to Minute Maid Park the following April for an emotional first pitch. MLBTR joins others throughout the game in sending our condolences to Dauer’s family, loved ones, friends and former teammates/players.

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