iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Former Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura died in a car crash in the Dominican Republic at the age of 25. In a separate car crash also in the Dominican Republic, former Major League infielder Andy Marte was killed. He was 33.
ESPN is reporting on the deaths of each pitcher, both of which took place Sunday morning.
Ventura made his Major League debut with the Royals in 2013 when he was 22-years-old. He posted a 38-31 career record with a 3.89 ERA.
Ventura was a friend of former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Oscar Tavares, who was died at 22 in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2014. Days are Tavares’ death, Ventura paid tribute to his friend while pitching in Game 6 of the World Series against the Giants, a game the Royals won. Ventura wore a cap with “RIP O.T #18” written on it.
Royals general manager Dayton Moore released the following statement:
“Our prayers right now are with Yordano’s family as we mourn this young man’s passing. He was so young and so talented, full of youthful exuberance and always brought a smile to everyone he interacted with. We will get through this as an organization, but right now is a time to mourn and celebrate the life of Yordano.”
ESPN reports Ventura was killed in the town of Juan Adrian.
Marte was reportedly driving a car that hit a house along a road between San Francisco de Macoris and Pimentel.
Marte, who was considered a top prospect when he signed with the Atlanta Braves in 2000, played the past two seasons for the KT Wiz of the Korean Baseball Organization. His final Major League game came against the Royals on Aug. 6, 2014, a game in which Ventura started. Marte did not have an at bat against Ventura in the game.
MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark released a statement that read:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Andy Marte and Yordano Ventura. It’s never easy to lost a member of our fraternity, and there are no words to describe the feeling of losing two young men in the prime of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, teammates and fans throughout the United States and Latin America.”
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.