Venezuelan ex-baseball player Jesús Montero passes away
The baseball world mourns the loss of Jesus Montero, former player for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, who passed away this Sunday at the age of 35. The tragic news arrives after not recovering from the serious injuries suffered in a traffic accident that occurred on October 4 in Venezuela. According to official reports, Montero was riding a motorcycle that collided with a truck. The accident resulted in his hospitalization in critical condition for two weeks. Despite medical efforts, the former catcher did not manage to overcome the multiple injuries.The accident and subsequent death of the athlete caused great shock in Venezuela, where multiple sports figures and fans expressed their sadness and admiration for the legacy he left on the diamond. Montero debuted in the Major Leagues in 2011 with the New York Yankees, participating in 18 games in his rookie season. Subsequently, he was transferred to the Seattle Mariners, where he played 208 games until 2015. During his career in the majors, he averaged .253, hit 28 home runs, and drove in 104 runs. He stood out for his powerful hitting and his projection as one of the emerging figures of Venezuelan baseball. 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 banned stimulant. This was his second sanction for violating anti-doping rules, following a similar suspension in 2013. At the national level, Montero had an outstanding participation in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, defending the colors of the Navegantes del Magallanes, Cardenales de Lara and Águilas del Zulia, teams with which he played for six seasons before retiring in the 2020-2021 season.Venezuelan baseball deeply regrets to say goodbye to Jesús Montero… who leaves a legacy of effort and passion for the game. Today baseball mourns his departure, but 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
Comunicado de la Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP)