In some somber news regarding the Washington Nationals, a former player and member of the inaugural team in 2005 has passed away. Tony Blanco, a corner infielder who appeared in 56 games for that original Nationals team was unfortunately involved in the tragic accident in the Dominican Republic.
The accident at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, made international headlines following the collapse of the roof to the club on Tuesday. So far, countless lives have been lost as a result of the accident, and officials are still making more discoveries at this time.
Blanco, who began his big league career as a member of the Boston Red Sox organization, found his way over to DC when he was selected by the Nationals as a Rule 5 Draft choice in 2005. In those 56 games, he tallied 1 home run and 7 RBIs during his rookie season. He spent a lot of time in the United States playing in the minors, and also saw a lot of success overseas playing in the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan.
Among others who were also tragically involved in the accident, former MLB pitcher Octavio Dotel also passed away from his injuries after initially being rescued from the debris. Additionally, the sister of former Nationals Designated Hitter Nelson Cruz tragically passed away in the collapse.
In a classy touch by Major League Baseball, the following social media post was released in memory of Tony Blanco, who noted that he appeared in the first game in Washington Nationals team history back in 2005, among his 56 career games.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of former Major Leaguer Tony Blanco in Tuesday’s tragedy in the Dominican Republic’s capital city of Santo Domingo.
— MLB (@MLB) April 8, 2025
Blanco played in 56 games for the inaugural Washington Nationals team in 2005, including the first game in… pic.twitter.com/14BWiXY7Os
Blanco was credited by former teammate Esteban Germán for saving his life, as he reportedly told MLB insider Héctor Gómez that Blanco pushed Germán out of the way of the roof while it was collapsing in his final moments. It is a brief but heroic testimony to the kind of person that Blanco seemed to be, and this incident is one that will not be forgotten any time soon.
This is obviously a very delicate situation at this time, and the staff here at District on Deck are deeply saddened by the loss of Tony Blanco. He was just 43-years-old, and his son, Tony Blanco Jr., is currently a prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of all of those affected by the incident at this time.