Royals, MLB players react to Yordano Ventura’s death
By Phil Naegely
Many Kanas City Royals and other MLB players paid their respects after Yordano Ventura died tragically in a car accident this weekend.
It’s been a rough year for Major League Baseball as multiple young and talented players have sadly passed away. On Sunday, news broke that Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura died in the Dominican Republic due to a car accident.
After hearing the sad news, Royals and players from other MLB teams took to social media to share their memories and pay respects to the young starting pitcher.
A very sad day in baseball. My condolences to both of the families! #ripventura #ripmarte
— Bryce Harper (@bryceharper3) January 22, 2017
@royals we know how you feel...me and my teammates here for y'all in this tough time @TheRealHos35 @mrzoombiya y'all be strong
— Dee Strange-Gordon (@FlashGJr) January 22, 2017
To the families of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. I send my deepest condolences. RIP. pic.twitter.com/mC9EihLMXg
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) January 22, 2017
Sad day in the baseball world. #RIPVentura #RIPMarte
— Mike Trout (@MikeTrout) January 22, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkwSmoDfRn/?taken-by=hosmer305
We are heartbroken. #RipAce pic.twitter.com/1LXyGwxwZ0
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) January 22, 2017
Despite the rivalries on the diamond, death and other unfortunate situations tend to unify people. There are things that are bigger than the game itself. Some of the best hitters to face Ventura took time to remember the pitcher.
Ventura played four seasons with the Kansas City Royals. He was a member of the 2015 squad that won the World Series. Last season, Ventura finished the season with an 11-12 record and a 4.45 ERA. Most fans remember Ventura’s 2016 season best when he threw inside to Manny Machado before hitting him moments later. The incident led to an eight-game suspension for Ventura.
The young pitcher’s career was filled with great potential still. Royals fans were looking forward to seeing him become a bigger part of the success. His fastball clocked it at over 100 mph often and he curveball and change-up were hard to hit.
Sadly, Royals and other MLB fans won’t be able to see him play in 2017. His young life was cut short and his death comes months after Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident. There’s one less talented pitcher in the league. He’ll be missed especially by his teammates.
Next: Yordano Ventura dies in car accident
It will be interesting to see how the Royals plan to honor their beloved player later this year and during the season. Somehow those affected by his death will begin to heal over time. After all, baseball is family.