Seattle Mariners shortstop Jean Segura was likely hoping for a relaxing offseason back home. That has not been the case.
One can imagine that Seattle Mariners shortstop Jean Segura was looking forward to his offseason. After spending months away from home, he would have the chance to see his family and friends in the Dominican Republic before beginning his training once more. Or, at least, that was the likely expectation.
Instead, Segura had to go through a horrifying experience in his home country. He was assaulted and robbed by armed police, who had pulled him over. He was pulled from the vehicle, beaten, and his belongings stolen before the officers crashed into his vehicle.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Segura also issued a warning to other players, saying “Today it’s me, tomorrow it will be another ballplayer.” Reading through the comments on his post make it sounds as though Segura happened to become a part of business as usual by DICAN. This certainly speaks volumes as to the expectations when it comes to life in the Dominican Republic, where shakedowns like this commonplace.
One has to wonder if these incidents will give players reasons to pause before returning home. After players like Yordano Ventura, Oscar Taveras, and Andy Marte will killed on their dangerous roads, and the possibility of being robbed and assaulted by the police, is it worth making the trip? And what if a ballplayer looks to defend themselves?
Segura’s frightening incident may well lead to changes. The former head of DICAN is currently serving a 20 year prison sentence for stealing millions of dollars of cocaine that had been seized by the agency. This type of corruption appears to be an institutional problem, and one that needs to change.
Next: Do the Mariners have enough hitting?
Fortunately, Seattle Mariners shortstop Jean Segura was able to emerge without harm. However, it certainly makes one wonder about how safe a player can feel in the Dominican Republic.