UPDATE: Former MLB catcher Jesús Montero has tragically died at the age of 35 after a serious motorcycle accident in Venezuela. The accident occurred on October 4, 2023, when Montero’s motorcycle collided with a truck, leaving him hospitalized in critical condition until his passing on Sunday.
Montero’s death has sent shockwaves through the baseball community, with the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League expressing their condolences via social media. “Venezuelan baseball sadly bids farewell to Jesús Montero,” the league stated. They remembered him as a player who “left behind a legacy of effort and passion for the game.” The outpouring of grief from fans and fellow athletes underscores the impact Montero had on the sport and his country.
During his brief but notable MLB career, Montero played for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners. He participated in 18 games for the Yankees in the 2011 season and went on to play 208 games with the Mariners until 2015. He ended his major league stint with a batting average of .253, hitting 28 home runs and achieving 104 RBIs.
The baseball world remembers Montero not just for his statistics but for his contributions to the game. The loss has ignited a wave of shared memories on social media, with fans recalling his thrilling home runs and the pride he brought while representing Venezuela.
In a controversial turn during his career, Montero faced two suspensions for violating anti-doping regulations, the most recent being a 50-game ban in 2016 while playing in the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system. Despite these setbacks, he continued to pursue his passion for baseball, playing six seasons in the Venezuelan Winter League with teams like Navegantes del Magallanes, Cardenales de Lara, and Águilas del Zulia, before retiring at 31 after the 2020-2021 season.
As the news of Montero’s death spreads, fans and fellow players alike are encouraged to reflect on his legacy and the joy he brought to baseball. His passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the deep connections forged through sports.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the baseball community mourns a talented player taken too soon.