Former Venezuelan Major League player Jesús Montero passes away

Venezuela.- Venezuelan former baseball player Jesús Montero, who played for the New York Yankees and the Seattle Mariners, died this Sunday at the age of 35, after not recovering from the serious injuries suffered in a traffic accident that occurred on October 4 in his native country. According to official reports, Montero was riding a motorcycle that collided with a truck, an accident that left him hospitalized in critical condition for two weeks. Despite medical efforts, the former catcher was unable to overcome the multiple injuries he suffered in the accident. The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) confirmed the news and expressed its regret through a statement published on the social network X:

“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”.

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. You can also read: Jesús Montero debuted in the Major Leagues in 2011 with the New York Yankees, playing 18 games in his debut season. He was later transferred to the Seattle Mariners, where he played 208 games until 2015. During his time in the majors, he batted for a .253 average, hit 28 home runs, and drove in 104 runs, standing out for his powerful hitting and projection as one of the great promises 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. It 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, where he wore the jerseys 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. The departure of Jesús Montero leaves a void among Venezuelan baseball fans and those who saw in him a symbol of talent, effort, and passion for the sport.