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Kimera Bartee, a former Major League Baseball outfielder and Detroit Tigers first base coach, died unexpectedly on Monday.
Tigers management announced Tuesday that Bartee's death was sudden, although the cause of his death has not yet been disclosed, and the team was not aware of any illness.
Tigers pay tribute to Bartee
Bartee, 49, just two months earlier had been rehired as the Tigers' first base coach by manager AJ Hinch.
"Like many across baseball, I was devastated by the news of Kimera's passing," Hinch said. "The sport has lost an amazing man, but more importantly his family has lost a loving fianc�, father and son."
"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," Tigers general manager Al 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. In speaking with Kimera's father, Jerry Bartee, we offered our condolences and support to his family," he added.
Bartee was visiting his father in his native Omaha, Nebraska, for the holidays when he lost his life. He is survived by his father Jerry, his fianc� Terri and children Andrew, Amari and Taeja.
Played in MLB with the Tigers, Reds and Rockies
Bartee was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 14th round of the 1993 draft, making his Major League debut at age 23 with the Tigers in 1996. He played 110 games that year, his most in a season. He also played with the Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies, and spent most of his career in the minors and played for his hometown Creighton University Bluejays.
The Tigers promoted him to first-base coach during the 2021 season after he was the organization's roving outfield and baserunning instructor, a role he had in 2020 with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was previously first-base coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates and also was an outfield and baserunning coordinator for their minor league teams.