“Former MLB All-Star Francisco Cordero Victim of Armed Robbery Caught on Video”

In an alarming incident, former Major League Baseball pitcher Francisco Cordero, celebrated for his 14 seasons in the league, became a victim of a brazen armed robbery. This shocking event unfolded as Cordero was enjoying a game of dominos with friends outside a grocery store in Santo Domingo on October 25. The terrifying moment was caught on surveillance cameras, showcasing the audacity of the perpetrators who approached on a motorcycle.

As reported by the Dominican news outlet **El Nuevo Diario**, Cordero, now 49, was relaxing with companions when two individuals suddenly arrived on a motorcycle. Without hesitation, they leaped off, brandishing a gun, and quickly confronted Cordero. Witnessing the aggressive advancement, he complied immediately, raising his hands in surrender.

One of the thieves, his face obscured by a bandana, went straight for Cordero’s chain, snatching it off before retreating back to the motorbike. Cordero later expressed his shock at how calculated the robbery appeared, suggesting it was not a random attack. “It doesn’t seem like it was a random robbery,” he stated. “The assailant jumped off the motorcycle, grabbed the gun, and went straight to me, took off my chain, and left.”

In a distressing detail, Cordero noted that the assailants didn’t seem interested in anything else. He had cash in his pockets and his cell phone, but they were ignored. This focused and intentional robbery has led him to believe that they may have planned the attack in advance.

Cordero, who is a three-time MLB All-Star, played for several teams throughout his career including the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros from 1999 to 2012. Over his career, he amassed 796 strikeouts and recorded an impressive 329 saves. More recently, he served as a pitching coach for the American League team during the All-Star Futures Game, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the sport.

The effects of this incident go beyond just the loss of a personal item; it raises concerns about safety in public spaces. The Dominican Republic has been experiencing waves of crime, and incidents like this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by citizens, including those in the limelight like Cordero.

While the former pitcher is undoubtedly shaken, he remains grateful that the situation did not escalate further. Reports from local media indicate that he is working with authorities to investigate the incident, hoping that justice will be served. Cordero’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life, irrespective of fame or success.

This incident is a stark reflection of issues surrounding safety and crime in various parts of the world, generating significant discussion on community security and the need for vigilant measures to protect individuals in their daily lives.