Santo Domingo.- The embattled ex Major League pitcher Pascual (Cuta) Perez was killed Thursday during an armed robbery at his residence in the town of Haina, 10 miles west of the capital.
The hurler received his Major League Baseball pension money yesterday, and the likely motive for the fatal assault and a stab wound to the neck. He was reportedly suffering from an ailment at the time of the attack.
A 12- year veteran of the Dominican Winter League, Perez pitched eight seasons with Santiago’s Aguilas and four with Santo Domingo’s Tigres, racking up 44 wins and a 2.86 ERA to become one of the best Dominican pitchers.
In the U.S. Perez played with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos and the New York Yankees, in addition to the 1983 MLB All-Star Game.
Among “Cuta’s” antics were getting lost on the way to the stadium, often showing up late for practice, and goofy expressions on the diamond.
His two brothers, Mélido and Carlos, as well as his cousin Vladimir, also made it to the Majors.
Melido Perez said his brother, 54, was murdered 5am today. He said he suffered from a terminal liver disease.