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Reds minor leaguer Jairo Capellan dies in car smash
LOS ANGELES, Nov 4, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect
Jairo Capellan was killed and two other young players injured on Saturday in
a car smash in their native Dominican Republic, the Major League Baseball
team announced.
The 19-year-old Capellan had just finished his first season of professional
baseball with the Reds farm team in the Dominican Summer League.
The Reds did not release any other details other than to say pitcher Raul
Hernandez was in critical condition and outfielder Emilio Garcia was in
stable condition. Both are age 19.
The MLB team did not say where the crash took place, what type of vehicle
they were in, or if others were involved.
Reds owner Bob Castellini sent condolences to the families. “Our Dominican
operations are an integral part of the Reds organization, and this tragedy
affects us all,” Castellini said. “We will remain closely involved to help
everyone through this difficult time.”
Reds Latin America field coordinator Joe Noboa said Capellan will be
mourned by family, friends and teammates.
“Jairo was a talented young pitcher with a bright future who was taken from
us much too soon,” Noboa told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He will be missed by
everyone who knew him — his teammates, coaches and our Dominican Academy
staff.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/1157 hrs