Osvaldo “Ozzie” Virgil Sr., the first player from the Dominican Republic to play in the Major Leagues, has died. He was 92 years old.
Virgil played for five teams during his nine major league seasons, beginning his career with the New York Giants in 1956. Additionally, he played for the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also played for the Giants after the team moved to San Francisco during the 1966 and 1969 seasons.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ozzie Virgil Sr.
On September 23, 1956, Virgil debuted with the New York Giants and became the first native of the Dominican Republic to play in the Major Leagues.
“He means a lot,” said Juan Soto in 2023. “He was the… pic.twitter.com/cGhYkXJlaG
-MLB (@MLB) September 29, 2024
For his career, Virgil batted .231 with a .594 OPS, 14 home runs and 73 RBIs in 324 games. His best season was 1957, when he hit .235 with a .583 OPS, two triples, four home runs, 24 RBIs and two stolen bases.
Virgil was primarily a third baseman (189 games, 114 starts) during his career, but also played catcher and outfielder, and made some appearances elsewhere in the infield. He played every position except center field and pitcher.
Born in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic, Virgil’s family immigrated to the United States when he was 13 years old and lived in the Bronx. After graduating high school, Virgil served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps and began playing professional baseball after finishing his service.
He #SFGigantes We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Giants player Ozzie Virgil Sr.
Virgil was the first native of the Dominican Republic to play in the Major Leagues. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends pic.twitter.com/Lktqggx3mT
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 29, 2024
“I knew I would be the first from my small country to reach the best baseball league in the world.” Virgilio told Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes in 2006the 50th anniversary of his debut in the Major Leagues. “But what I never suspected is that over time it would become normal.”
Virgil went 0 for 4 in his first game, but said he felt like he “finished 4 for 4,” considering what he accomplished.
“Virgil should be as important to my country as (Jackie) Robinson (is) to the African American,” Hall of Famer David Ortiz told Rojas. “I would put his legacy on par with those who established our republic… If I weren’t playing baseball, I would most likely be working in my country. I thank God every day for (him) opening the doors to the big leagues for me.”
In addition to being the first native of the Dominican Republic to play in the majors, Virgil was the first person of color to play for the Detroit Tigers, traded to the team in 1958 to begin a three-season stint. He went 5 for 5 in his first game with Detroit.
The Tigers organization mourns the passing of Ozzie Virgil Sr.
The MLB’s first Dominican-born player, Virgil spent three of his nine major league seasons with Detroit. He was honored for his contributions to baseball during the ¡Fiesta Tigres! weekend of 2008. Our thoughts… pic.twitter.com/GyA4OgMhw0
– Detroit Tigers (@tigers) September 29, 2024
After ending his playing career, Virgil coached in the majors for 19 years with the Giants, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. With Montreal, San Diego and Seattle, he was the third base coach under the Hall of Fame. Dick Williams.
While on Williams’ staff, Virgil coached in the 1984 World Series and the 1985 MLB All-Star Game. In that All-Star Game, he was able to coach his son, Ozzie Virgil Jr., who was named to the National League All-Star team as a reserve catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Junior Virgil hit a two-run single to help the National League win 6-1.
“He means a lot,” New York Yankees star Juan Soto said. David Venn of MLB.com in 2023. “He was the first Dominican to reach the big leagues and opened the doors to many Dominicans, and not just Dominicans, to all Latin players.”
