SANTO DOMINGO, DR.– Former Major League Baseball pitcher Rafael Soriano was elected as a new immortal of the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, a recognition that honors an outstanding 14-season career in the Majors, during which he established himself as one of the best closers of his generation.
The selection was made by the Permanent Committee of the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, chaired by Dr. Dionisio Guzmán. Soriano will be inducted during the 60th Hall of Fame Ceremonial, scheduled to be held on November 15th at the institution’s auditorium, located at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.
A native of San José de los Llanos, San Pedro de Macorís province, Soriano built a brilliant career in Major League Baseball, in which he accumulated 207 saves and recorded three seasons of at least 40 saves, establishing himself among the most successful Dominican relief pitchers of all time.
The right-hander began his career with the Seattle Mariners, the organization with which he debuted in the Majors and played between 2002 and 2006. Subsequently, he wore the uniforms of the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs.
Throughout his career, he posted a record of 24 wins and 28 losses, with a 2.89 ERA in 636.1 innings pitched. Additionally, he recorded 641 strikeouts, allowed just 489 hits, and finished with a 1.08 WHIP, figures that reflect the dominance he exerted from the mound over 591 appearances.
His best campaign came in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays, when he led the American League with 45 saves, posted a 1.73 ERA, and was selected to the All-Star Game. He subsequently added 42 saves with the Yankees in 2012 and 43 with the Washington Nationals in 2013, in addition to 32 saves in 2014.
With his selection, Soriano joins the Immortal Class of 2026, which also includes Winston Royal (basketball), Johnny Olivo (amateur baseball), Ricardo Joseph and Darío Veras (winter baseball), Yuderqui Contreras (weightlifting), Alex Rodríguez (Major Leagues), and Mariano Reyes (athletics).
Likewise, Domingo Saint Hilaire, Julio Cross, Andrés Vander Horst, José Ramón “Cuqui” Reyes, and Víctor Pascual will be recognized as promoters of the sport.
