The world of baseball mourns the loss of Margarita Mota, beloved wife of Los Angeles Dodgers legend Manny Mota and the matriarch of a baseball dynasty. At the age of 81, Margarita passed away peacefully from natural causes in her Los Angeles home. Her son, Jose Mota, a former major leaguer and current member of the Dodgers’ Spanish language broadcast team, confirmed the news. The impact of Margarita’s life and her contributions to both her family and the sport will never be forgotten.
Manny Mota, now 85 years old, holds the remarkable title of being major league baseball’s third career pinch-hitter. He also boasts two World Series championships with the Dodgers in 1981 and 1988. However, his success on the field is only part of the Mota family’s story. Together, Manny and Margarita celebrated 60 years of marriage and built a legacy of philanthropy through the Manny Mota International Foundation.
Established as a nonprofit organization, the Manny Mota International Foundation has dedicated its efforts to fund various initiatives in the Dominican Republic. Margarita played an instrumental role in raising funds to build a medical clinic, baseball fields, and a school in her home country. Her devotion to helping the needy and teaching her children the importance of caring for others truly exemplifies the altruistic spirit she embodied.
Margarita leaves behind a lasting impact on her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her eight children: Cecilia, María, Rafael, Andy, Domingo, Gary, Tony, and Jose, who fondly remembers his mother as a strong and wonderful woman. Through thick and thin, Margarita supported her family, accompanying her children from the Dominican Republic to Los Angeles during their father’s playing days.
For Dodgers players participating in the Dominican Winter League, Margarita was known for her culinary skills, preparing meals that brought comfort and warmth to their hearts and stomachs. She would even extend invitations to American families, ensuring they felt at home during the holiday season. Margarita’s generosity and nurturing spirit made her a cherished presence within the baseball community.
To honor the memory of Margarita Mota, the Dodgers displayed a framed photo in the stadium press box. The photograph captures a beautiful moment of happiness, with Margarita lovingly embracing her husband. A bouquet of white roses accompanied the photo, symbolizing remembrance, purity, and the eternal love that Margarita held for her family.
Prior to the Dodgers’ game against the San Francisco Giants, a poignant moment of silence was observed, allowing players and fans alike to reflect on Margarita’s remarkable life and the impact she had on the sport. Though she is no longer physically present, her spirit and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to inspire generations to come.
In the hearts of the baseball community, Margarita Mota will forever be remembered as a compassionate, selfless woman who touched the lives of many. Her contributions to her family, the Dominican Republic, and the sport of baseball are a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the profound impact one person can have on the world.
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