The Los Angeles Dodgers have a long lineage of talented players who have made their mark with the franchise since its first formed in Brooklyn. Some were transcendent figures, some became enshrined in the Hall of Fame, and others enjoyed a successful but not historic career.
One of the Dodgers’ better and most-popular players was right fielder Raul Mondesi. He made his MLB debut in 1993 and appeared in 42 games. Mondesi assumed a larger role the following season and was named the 1994 National League Rookie of the Year.
He spent parts of seven seasons with the Dodgers, which included signing a four-year, $36 million contract in January 1998 that included options for 2002 and 2003 to bring the total value to $60 million.
At the time it was the richest contract in Dodgers franchise history. He only spent two seasons with the team after inking the deal. Mondesi’s tenure with the team ended on a sour note after he demanded a trade.
For all that Mondesi accomplished during his 13-year career, his track record now includes being sentenced to prison time on corruption charges in his native Dominican Republic, via ESPN:
A court in the Dominican Republic has sentenced former major league outfielder Raul Mondesi to eight years in prison for corruption and mishandling of public funds while serving as mayor of his hometown of San Cristobal.
The three-judge panel also fined Mondesi the equivalent of $1.27 million for defrauding more than $6 million during his time as mayor from 2010 to 2016. Three of Mondesi’s staff members also were sentenced.
In addition to the sentencing and fine, Mondesi is not permitted to hold any public office in the Dominican Republic for 10 years. He’d been under house arrest since February while awaiting trial.
Along with the Dodgers and Blue Jays, the dynamic right fielder played for the New York yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh Pirates. His best seasons came with the Dodgers. Mondesi earned an All-Star selection in 1995, won two Gold Glove Awards and finished 15th in NL MVP voting in 1997.
The 46-year-old last played in the Majors in 2005, appearing in 41 games for the Braves.
