“Cuánto aprendí de ti, siempre metiste la mano al fuego por mí y me cuidaste como a un hijo, vuela alto profesor,” wrote basketball player Richard Bautista, paying tribute to Melvyn López after the coach’s death.
The death of Melvyn López left a deep void in Dominican basketball, ending a career defined by seven titles in the Torneo de Baloncesto Superior del Distrito Nacional with the Club Mauricio Báez, Diario Libre reported.
López built a legacy that extended far beyond the court in Villa Juana, where players and club leaders remembered him as an educator focused on shaping young citizens. Known as “El Señor de los Anillos,” he captured seven of the Mauricio Báez club’s 11 championships in the Distrito Nacional tournament.
Club leaders and players emphasized his human qualities, honesty, and constant support for youths across Gran Santo Domingo and the interior of the country. Players demonstrated their bond by staying at the coach’s residence until two in the morning upon hearing of his passing, Diario Libre reported.
Team captain Gerardo Suero Castillo reflected on the loss by emphasizing the brevity of life and the importance of spreading kindness and love. Guard Richard Bautista, who won three championships under López, shared a personal farewell praising the coach’s guidance.
“Ha sido un duro golpe y será difícil reponernos. Nos agarraremos de Dios para poder hacerle frente a tan grande pérdida,” said members of the Mauricio Báez family, including club president José Domínguez, foundation president César Heredia Guerra, general manager Amaury Heredia Guerra, and founder Leo Corporán.
Assistant coach Ruddy Martínez, who maintained a father-figure relationship with López, visited the residence but was overcome with grief too profound for words. Players Diego Moquete, Brayan Martínez, and Luis Feliz also shared public messages of mourning.
López served as president of the Federación Dominicana de Entrenadores de Baloncesto, working to strengthen the discipline and training of coaches across the country. He also led the Dominican Republic national basketball team in international competitions, earning praise for his work and capacity.
His career spanned domestic titles in the capital and the interior, alongside international assignments linked to the Federación Dominicana de Baloncesto. Beyond tactics, he frequently discussed his vision for contributing to a better Dominican society with colleagues and club directors.
López is survived by his wife, Marisol Felipe de López, his sons Michael and Bryant, and his sister Reyna López. His remains will be viewed at the Funeraria Blandino on Avenida Abraham Lincoln.
On Friday, starting at 9:00 a.m., the polideportivo of the Club Mauricio Báez will host a body-present tribute, followed by a mass and burial at the Cristo Redentor cemetery.
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