Ex-Yankees star dead at 35: Tributes pour in for baseball catcher
Share and Follow

Former catcher for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, Jesús Montero, has passed away at the age of 35 in Venezuela, his home country.

On Sunday, the Yankees shared the sad news with a heartfelt statement: “The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jesús Montero. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Venezuelan sports media reported that Montero had been involved in a severe traffic accident several weeks prior.

It was reported that Montero was on his motorcycle near Valencia when he collided with a truck.

The tragic incident resulted in Montero suffering a punctured lung, six broken ribs, and multiple fractures to his femur, tibia, and fibula, in addition to injuries to his hip and knee, as detailed by the local news source, El Nacional.

He was rushed to Dr. Enrique Tejera Hospital in Valencia, Carabobo, where he reportedly suffered cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated. 

Former New York Yankees catcher Jesus Montero has died at 35 after a traffic accident

Former New York Yankees catcher Jesus Montero has died at 35 after a traffic accident

Montero was eventually traded to the Seattle Mariners where he would finish his MLB career

Montero was eventually traded to the Seattle Mariners where he would finish his MLB career

The former MLB star is said to have been induced into a coma and put on dialysis due to the extent of the damage to his renal system.

He had been in critical condition before he passed away on Sunday after succumbing to his injuries.

Montero signed a deal with the Yankees in 2006, with experts projecting him as the best power hitter in his free agent class.

He spent four years in the minors with New York. At one point, he was under consideration for a trade to the Mariners to bring back starting pitcher Cliff Lee. However, Lee was dealt to the Texas Rangers instead.

Montero made his major league debut on September 1, 2011 in a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

His career with the Yankees was short-lived. After playing 18 regular season games and one playoff game in the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, Montero was traded in the offseason.

New York packaged him with pitching prospect Hector Noesi and shipped him to Seattle in exchange for pitchers Michael Pineda and Jose Campos.

Montero would play four seasons with the Mariners and logged 208 games and 796 plate appearances in that time.

Montero finished his major league career with a .253 batting average and 28 home runs

Montero finished his major league career with a .253 batting average and 28 home runs

In the 2013 season, he tore his left meniscus and needed surgery to prepare for it.

That same campaign, Montero was suspended for 50 games due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, where he was provided performance enhancing drugs.

He spent most of the 2014 season in the minor leagues after arriving to spring training 40 pounds overweight. That year, he was involved in an altercation with a roving instructor in the stands – with the Mariners subsequently banning him from playing for the rest of the season.

Eventually, Montero would return to the majors in July of 2015. It would be his final MLB season.

After being designated for assignment by Seattle, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Montero and put him in their farm system. 

Montero would play in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system in 2017 before playing in Mexico and his native Venezuela.

His major league career stats include a .253 batting average, 28 home runs, 104 RBI and 204 hits and 73 runs.

Montero had two children with Venezuelan model Taneth Gimenez. His daughter, Loren Alejandra (11), and his son, Jesus Alejandro (10), both have autism.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Daring Louvre Heist: Experts Warn Priceless Artifacts at Risk of Destruction

In a brazen heist at the Louvre Museum on Sunday, a group…

Mid-Air Windshield Crack Forces Emergency Landing of Los Angeles-Bound Jet in Salt Lake City

An intriguing incident aboard a United Airlines flight has captured the attention…

Shocking Marine Corps Mishap: Patrol Car Damaged by Unexpected Live-Fire Shrapnel

A live-fire demonstration intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S.…

Trump Pressures Netanyahu: Unveiling the Apology to Qatar Over Devastating Strike

The diplomatic duo responsible for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas…

How ChatGPT’s AI Magic Helped One Lucky Winner Crack the Powerball Jackpot

A Michigan resident’s innovative approach, seeking assistance from artificial intelligence, has led…

TwitchCon Controversy: Streamer Emiru Reportedly Attacked by Fan During Meet and Greet

Twitch, the widely-used livestreaming platform, is under fire following a troubling incident…

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Addressing Pollution, Climate Change, Invasive Species, and Overuse Challenges

Chicago is blessed with the majestic Lake Michigan, a natural wonder that…

CHP Vehicle Struck by Shrapnel During Live Fire Event at Camp Pendleton with VP JD Vance Present: Safety Concerns Arise

During the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton, an…