URGENT UPDATE: Former MLB catcher Jesús Montero has tragically died at the age of 35 following a serious traffic accident in Venezuela. Officials confirmed his passing on Sunday after he had been hospitalized in critical condition since the crash on October 4, 2023.
Montero’s motorcycle collided with a truck, leading to multiple injuries that he could not recover from. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Venezuelan sports community, sparking an outpouring of grief on social media platforms.
“Venezuelan baseball sadly bids farewell to Jesús Montero … leaving behind a legacy of effort and passion for the game,”
the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League stated in a heartfelt message on X. They added,
“Today, baseball mourns his passing…for every home run that thrilled the fans, for every day in which he proudly defended his country’s colors.”
Montero played for the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, appearing in a total of 226 Major League games from 2011 to 2015. He recorded a batting average of .253, with 28 home runs and 104 RBIs. His career with the Yankees included 18 games during the 2011 season, while his time with the Mariners spanned 208 games.
In 2016, Montero faced a setback while in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system, receiving a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant. This was his second suspension for anti-doping violations, following a similar ban in 2013.
Outside of Major League Baseball, Montero made his mark in the Venezuelan Winter League, playing for teams such as the Navegantes del Magallanes, Cardenales de Lara, and Águilas del Zulia. He retired from professional baseball in 2021 after the winter season.
The impact of Montero’s death reverberates beyond statistics—he inspired countless young athletes in Venezuela, embodying the dream of Major League success. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of fans and fellow players alike.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding the circumstances of the accident. Sports fans and the baseball community will be watching closely as they process the loss of a player who brought joy and excitement to the game.
