Former SF Giants Player Accused Of Domestic Abuse By Ex-Wife

Content Warning: Emotional and Physical Partner Abuse

A report by The Athletic revealed a pattern of abusive behavior by former SF Giants shortstop Omar Vizquel against his ex-wife Blanca Vizquel.

In a report this week by Ken Rosenthal and Katie Strang of The Athletic, the reporters revealed a concerning history of violent and abusive behavior by longtime MLB shortstop Omar Vizquel. According to their report, Blanca Vizquel, who was married to Omar Vizquel for six years, was emotionally abused and physically harmed by the 24-year MLB veteran throughout their marriage.

The chilling report describes an all too familiar story of an athlete presenting a lovable and gregarious persona to fans while demonizing those around them behind closed doors. In one incident, the former big leaguer was seen on top of his then-wife, with his elbow on her throat strangling her. In another, he broke through a door, pushed Blanca to the ground, and eventually was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault.

It appears that Vizquel’s harmful behavior was not only limited to his marriage. Per the report, Vizquel was also fired as the manager of the Chicago White Sox Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons, in 2019, after “an alleged incident involving Vizquel and a male clubhouse worker.”

While entirely secondary to the findings of the investigation, Vizquel is currently on the Baseball Writer’s of America (BBWA) Hall of Fame ballot for the third consecutive year. He received strong results in the early returns from voting this cycle and appeared very likely to receive enough votes over the next few years to be enshrined in Cooperstown. Of course, the findings from continued investigations of Vizquel’s behavior will likely impact his standing.

If you or someone you know is in an unsafe relationship, there are many resources available, including those at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. We all deserve healthy relationships. We all deserve to be safe.