Although Kenya remained away from the spotlight, she supported Tony Blanco’s career while managing their family.
Tony Blanco was a former Major League Baseball player from the Dominican Republic.
Tragically, he passed away in a nightclub roof collapse in Santo Domingo on April 8, 2025.
💔Tragedy in #DominicanRepublic
— Rapid Reveal (@rapid_reveal) April 9, 2025
Roof of Jet Set #nightclub collapsed mid-concert, killing 98 & injuring 160
MLB stars Octavio Dotel & Tony Blanco, & merengue icon Rubby Pérez-Gone
One of the worst in DR’s history#NightclubCollapse #LCDLFAlIStars #duelonacional #mumbaiattack pic.twitter.com/TPKKHKjurg
This tragic incident occurred at the Jet Set nightclub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, during a merengue concert on April 8.
The roof collapsed suddenly, causing chaos and panic among the hundreds of attendees.
Witnesses reported seeing parts of the ceiling falling moments before the entire roof gave way.
Tony was among dozens of victims in this disaster, which also claimed the lives of other notable figures, including Octavio Dotel, a World Series champion.
Kenya Stood Steadfastly By Tony Blanco’s Side Throughout His Baseball Career!
Tony tied the knot with Kenya Rodriguez Blanco and had one son together.
While there is very scarce information about her in the public domain, it is evident that she greatly supported her husband.
Even in the face of her late husband Tony Blanco’s widespread fame in the baseball world, Kenya has chosen to maintain a private life.
Despite this, she was a true cheerleader for her husband throughout his impressive baseball journey.
Tony Blanco Was a Relatively Private Person Who Remained Focused On His Career And Achievements!
Tony Blanco had a notable career in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Born on November 10, 1980, in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, he played first base, third base, and outfield.
Devastated to hear that former Dragons, BayStars and Buffaloes slugger Tony Blanco lost his life in the Jet Set disaster.
— Gaijin Baseball/外国人野球 (@GaijinBaseball) April 8, 2025
To remember him, I'd like to share his greatest moment, his 2012 CL Wildcard winning Grand Slam. It's still the last playoff series the Dragons have won. pic.twitter.com/re4QOaR60l
He began his career in the Boston Red Sox farm system and later played in the MLB for the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals.
His MLB debut was in 2005, where he played 56 games during his rookie season. During his MLB stint, he had a batting average of .177, with 1 home run and 7 RBIs.
Afterward, he transitioned to NPB, where he achieved significant success.
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
Additionally, Blanco also enjoyed a successful career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.
He played for teams like the Chunichi Dragons, Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and Orix Buffaloes. Likewise, he achieved a batting average of .272, with 181 home runs and 542 RBIs over his NPB career.
He was a four-time NPB All-Star (2009, 2010, 2013, 2014) and won several awards, including the Central League batting champion and home run leader titles.
We are deeply saddened by the sudden news of Tony Blanco's passing.
— 横浜DeNAベイスターズ (@ydb_yokohama) April 9, 2025
Thank you for the many moments of excitement and rapture you brought to our fans in Yokohama during your two seasons with the team, from 2013 to 2014.
The time we fought together in Yokohama is a treasure to… pic.twitter.com/QlP3rkoER0
The tragic and sudden loss of Tony Blanco has left an indelible mark on Kenya and their son.
The sports world and community have expressed grief over his tragic demise.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a heartfelt statement, saying:
Major League Baseball is deeply saddened by the passings of Octavio Dotel, Tony Blanco, Nelsy Cruz and all the victims of last night’s tragedy in Santo Domingo. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have been affected and to our colleague Nelson and his entire family.
Additionally, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Sports honored Blanco, highlighting his legacy in national baseball and offering prayers for his family.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Blanco’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tony Blanco attended Haina High School in the Dominican Republic before venturing on his professional baseball career.
- Nelsy Cruz, the sister of MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, also lost her life in the incident that took Tony’s life.
- This disaster also took the life of Merengue singer, Rubby Perez, and left over 160 people injured.
