Baseball icon Ozzie Virgil Sr - the first Dominican to ever play in MLB - dead at 92

Ozzie Virgil Sr, the first Dominican to ever play in the MLB, has died.

He was 92 years old.

Virgil Sr. began his nine-year career in 1956 with the Giants (then of New York), who remembered him on Sunday with a tribute on X.

He later spent time with the Tigers, Athletics, Orioles and Pirates before wrapping up his career back with the Giants in separate stints in 1966 and 1969.

The MLB wrote on its official X account that it was 'deeply saddened' to learn of his passing. 

'Our thoughts are with his son, two-time All-Star catcher Ozzie Virgil Jr., and the rest of the Virgil family,' they wrote.

Virgil's presence in the MLB opened the door for many other Dominican players to follow suit.

Today, Dominican players make up 9.83% of all MLB rosters according to World Population Review - the highest figure of any country other than the USA.

Virgil served as a utility player in the big leagues and had a career batting average of .231 with 14 home runs. 

After he finished his playing career, he spent 19 years as a coach with the Giants, Expos, Padres and Mariners.

He was born in Monte Cristo, Dominican Republic on May 17, 1932.