Authorities are investigating a series of robberies at Major League Baseball facilities in the Dominican Republic. The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday, 10/18/2023, at the Detroit Tigers complex. Five individuals, armed, entered the complex, restrained a security guard, and proceeded to the players’ rooms to steal valuables and cash. An earlier robbery on Friday, 10/13/2023, targeted the St. Louis Cardinals complex. A group of five individuals restrained a security guard and removed personal items from athletes and personnel. Facilities of the Miami Marlins and Cleveland Guardians have also been robbed recently.
In the Cardinals incident, stolen items included both personal belongings and baseball equipment. Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, stated that the team will be reviewing its security protocols at the facility. No injuries were reported in both the Tigers and Cardinals incidents.
Dominican Republic police spokesman Diego Pesqueira mentioned that they are yet to receive a comprehensive list of stolen items from the baseball academy. The connection between the robberies is being explored. In the case of the Tigers facility robbery, there was an unsuccessful attempt to steal a safe.
The Tigers complex is situated in a rural area of San Pedro de Macorís. The team has recently acquired land in the country for a new training facility.
Both teams are actively cooperating with the authorities, though some details remain confidential due to the ongoing investigations.
