The Detroit Tigers lost a member of their family Monday night when first base coach and former center fielder Kimera Bartee died suddenly at the age of 49.
Tigers GM Al Avila said in a statement Tuesday morning that the orgazniation is "shocked and saddened" by the news and that Bartee's "memory and spirit will never be forgotten."
"Throughout his time in our organization as both a player and coach, Kimera was known as a kind soul but intense competitor who did his best every day to elevate those around him to do great things," Avila said. "While Tigers fans got used to seeing him in the first base coach's box, Kimera's impact on our ballclub went far deeper and will be sorely missed."
Bartee made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 1996, stealing 20 bases as a rookie, and played for the club through 1999. He returned to the organization as a minor league coach prior to last season and was summoned to Detroit in July by A.J. Hinch after the departure of Tigers former third base coach Chip Hale. Smiling from ear to ear, Bartee was the first person to fist-bump Miguel Cabrera after the future Hall of Famer's 500th career home run.
Hinch said in a statement Tuesday that he was "devastated by the news of Kimera's passing."
"From the start of spring training last year, it was clear that 'KB' was the epitome of a player's coach, having an uncanny ability to build deep connections with anyone from a rookie to a 10-year veteran. I was proud of his selflessness and adaptability when he quickly shifted to the Major League staff last season, and how excited he was about the bright future he had in both baseball and life.
"The sport has lost an amazing man, but more importantly his family has lost a loving fiancé, father, and son."
