Jesús Montero, former MLB player, dies after traffic accident
Caracas – The baseball world mourns the passing of Jesus Montero, former catcher for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, at the age of 35, following a tragic traffic accident in Venezuela.
According to official reports, Montero suffered a motorcycle accident against a truck on October 4th. Since then, he remained hospitalized in critical condition, failing to recover from the multiple injuries suffered.
The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League expressed its sorrow through a statement on X, highlighting the legacy of effort and passion that Montero left in the sport. “Today, baseball mourns his departure. But it also remembers him with gratitude: for every home run that thrilled the fans, for every day he proudly defended the colors of his country, and for every young person who saw in him an example that dreams can be achieved.””
The accident shocked Venezuela, generating numerous expressions of condolence on social media.
Montero had an outstanding participation in the Major Leagues. In 2011, he played 18 games with the Yankees. Subsequently, he defended the Mariners’ jersey in 208 games until 2015.
During his brief but intense MLB career, Montero averaged .253, hit 28 home runs, and drove in 104 runs.
In 2016, while still part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league system, he was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for dimethylbutylamine, a stimulant. This was his second suspension for violating anti-doping regulations, following a 50-game ban in 2013.
In the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, Montero played six seasons with the Navegantes del Magallanes, Cardenales de Lara, and Águilas del Zulia. He retired at 31 years old, after the 2020-21 season.
