The baseball world was shocked and saddened by the news of the death of former MLB pitcher Odalis Perez, who died in an accident at his home in the Dominican Republic on March 10, 2023. Perez, who was 44 years old, slipped from a ladder and suffered fatal injuries, according to his attorney Walin Batista1. Perez’s brother Cristian Perez found him lying in the patio when he arrived at the house around 7 p.m.1
Odalis Perez’s MLB Career and Achievements
Perez was a left-handed pitcher who played for four teams in his 11-year MLB career. He made his debut with the Atlanta Braves in 1998 and spent four seasons with them. He then joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002 and earned his only All-Star selection that year. He posted a career-best 15-10 record with a 3.00 ERA and 155 strikeouts in 222.1 innings pitched2. He also finished fifth in the National League Cy Young Award voting that year2.
Perez played for the Dodgers until 2006, then signed with the Kansas City Royals for two seasons. He ended his MLB career with the Washington Nationals in 2008. He had a career record of 73-82 with a 4.46 ERA and 920 strikeouts in 1,335 innings pitched2. He also pitched for the Dominican Republic national team in the World Baseball Classic in 2006 and 2009.
Tributes and Condolences from the MLB Community
Perez’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and sympathy from his former teammates, opponents, coaches, and fans. Many of them took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of him.
Former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, who managed Perez from 2002 to 2004, said he was “devastated” by the news. “He was a tremendous competitor and a great teammate,” Tracy said. “He always gave everything he had on the mound and was a joy to be around in the clubhouse. He was one of my favorite players to manage and I will always remember him fondly.”3
Former Braves pitcher Tom Glavine, who played with Perez from 1998 to 2001, said he was “heartbroken” by the loss of his friend. “He was a talented pitcher and a wonderful person,” Glavine said. “He had a great sense of humor and a big smile that lit up the room. He was always positive and upbeat and made everyone around him better. He will be greatly missed.”4
Former Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, who signed Perez in 2008, said he was “shocked and saddened” by the tragedy. “He was a professional and a gentleman,” Bowden said. “He had a passion for the game and a love for his family. He was always respectful and gracious to everyone he met. He was a pleasure to work with and I’m honored to have known him.”5
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also issued a statement on behalf of the league, expressing his condolences to Perez’s family, friends, and fans. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Odalis Perez, who was a valued member of the MLB family for over a decade,” Manfred said. “He was an All-Star pitcher who represented his country with pride and dignity in international competition. He also made significant contributions to his community through his charitable efforts. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones and join them in mourning this terrible loss.”