25-year-old MLB pitcher killed in car accident
Yordano Ventura, the Kansas City Royals star young right-handed pitcher, died early Sunday in a car accident, per ESPN.
He was 25 years old, and died in his native Dominican Republic.
The Royals confirmed Ventura's death in an official statement.
You May Also Like
"Our prayers right now are with Yordano's family as we mourn this young man's passing," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in the statement. "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."
Ventura was an stud with an electric fastball that often touched 100 miles per hour. Nicknamed "Ace Ventura," he won 14 games during his first full season in 2014. He helped the Royals reach the World Series two seasons in a row, bringing home the title 2015.
Sunday marks a sad day for the baseball world, which also lost former big leaguer Andy Marte.
The 33-year-old third baseman — who was killed in a separate car accident — most recently played in Korea, but spent time with the Braves, Indians and Diamondbacks during his time in Major League Baseball.
Members of the baseball community mourned both losses on Twitter.
It's another sad Sunday morning for baseball, which lost 24-year-old All-Star pitcher José Fernández early one Sunday in late September.
