Reports: Perez killed in stabbing

Flamboyant and sometimes infuriating former All-Star pitcher Pascual Perez was killed in a home invasion robbery Thursday in his native Dominican Republic, according to reports. Dominican Today and several Spanish-language newspapers reported Perez, 55, suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck during the apparent robbery at his home in Haina, about 10 miles west of the capital Santo Domingo. Perez received his Major League Baseball pension payment the previous day, Dominican Today reported. Perez pitched for the Pirates, Braves, Expos and Yankees in an 11-year major league career. He was 67-68 with a 3.44 ERA in his career. He was an All-Star in 1983, when he went 15-8 with a 3.43 ERA for the Braves. Perez was noted for his exaggerated celebrations on the mound, which often drew the ire of opposing batters. He infamously once missed a start with the Braves because he got lost on the freeways while driving to his home stadium. He was a central figure in a wild 1984 game between the Padres and Braves that featured multiple brawls and players going after fans. Perez hit leadoff batter Alan Wiggins to start the game, and the Padres threw at Perez several times in the game before ultimately getting their retribution. In addition to his time in the major leagues, Perez pitched 12 seasons in the Dominican winter league. His brothers, Carlos and Melido, also pitched in the majors.