UPDATE: Former MLB catcher Jesús Montero has tragically died at the age of 35 following a severe traffic accident in Venezuela. The unfortunate incident occurred on October 4, 2023, when Montero’s motorcycle collided with a truck. He had been hospitalized in critical condition since the crash, but succumbed to his injuries just days ago.
The Venezuelan baseball community is in mourning, with the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League expressing its sorrow in a heartfelt statement on social media platform X. “Venezuelan baseball sadly bids farewell to Jesús Montero… leaving behind a legacy of effort and passion for the game,” the league stated. The tribute continues, emphasizing Montero’s impact: “Today, baseball mourns his passing. But it also remembers him with gratitude for every home run that thrilled the fans, for every day in which he proudly defended his country’s colors.”
Montero’s untimely death has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, highlighting the profound impact he had on fans and aspiring athletes. His career in the major leagues included stints with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, where he played a total of 226 games and recorded 28 home runs and 104 RBIs. He debuted with the Yankees in 2011 and concluded his major league journey with the Mariners in 2015, boasting a batting average of .253.
Montero’s career was not without controversy. In 2016, while still part of the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system, he faced a 50-game suspension after testing positive for a banned stimulant. This was his second violation, having previously received a similar ban in 2013.
In addition to his major league tenure, Montero played six seasons in the Venezuelan Winter League, showcasing his talent with teams such as the Navegantes del Magallanes, Cardenales de Lara, and Águilas del Zulia. He retired from professional baseball at 31 years old after the 2020-2021 season.
As the baseball world grapples with this loss, fans remember Montero not just for his statistics, but for the joy and inspiration he brought to the field. The legacy he leaves behind serves as a reminder of the power of sports to connect and uplift communities.
Officials and fans alike are now calling for tributes and celebrations of Montero’s life and career, mourning not only his loss but celebrating the dreams he inspired. As more details emerge, the impact of this tragic accident will continue to resonate throughout the baseball community and beyond.
