Pascual Perez was found murdered at his home in the Dominican Republic by ex-wife Maritza Montero on Thursday.The 55-year-old Perez’s body was found to have a severe head wound.
Evidence at the scene suggests that whoever killed Perez had been searching for money according to Joel Valdemior, a prosecutor who is involved in the investigation. While the motive is not yet known, initial reports are that the pitcher received his pension payment Wednesday and that might be a possible reason for the murder.
According to police, there were several assailants and that the house in the town of Don Gregorio appeared to have been ransacked. No one has been taken into custody.
Pascal Perez spent eleven years in the major leagues pitching for Pittsburg, Atlanta, Montreal and the New York Yankees compiling a 67-68 record. His best seasons came with Atlanta when he was 15-8 and an All-Star in 1983 and 14-8 in 1984. Perez’s big league career was filled with ups and downs, the lowest being two suspensions for drug use.
”We were shocked to hear the news of Pascual Perez’ death earlier today,” said Braves president John Schuerholz in a statement. ”Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during the aftermath of this tragic event. Pascual left his mark with the Braves organization and will always be remembered fondly by Braves fans.”
In March 1992, the commissioner’s office suspended him after a failed test the day he arrived for spring training with the Yankees. At the time, he was entering the final season of a three-year, $5.7 million contract. He never returned to major league baseball.
