Geremi Gonzalez Killed by Lightning

Tragedy rocked the baseball world on Monday when it was learned that former major league pitcher Geremi Gonzalez was killed this weekend by a bolt of lightning in his native country of Venezuela.

This journey- man pitcher who put together an overall record of 30-35, was apparently on the beach when this tragic incident occurred made a lot of close friends during his years from 1997-2006 in the majors. “It’s a tragic thing,” said current Cubs manager Lou Piniella who was the bench boss of Tampa Bay Rays when Gonzalez was with the team. “He was a nice young man, and a competitive kid who was really good natured. It’s a shame it really is. I liked him a lot.”

Besides for the Rays, Gonzalez also played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers. In total, this right-hander who had his best season in 1997 with 11 wins for the Cubs, played a grand total of 131 major league games. “He was so much fun to be around,” said Brewers manager Ned Yost. “He was always happy, always smiling.” “When he saw you, he always had a smile on his face.”

Last year during spring training, Gonzalez tried to make the Toronto Blue Jays but was cut before venturing to Japan where he pitched only five games for the Yomiuri Giants. While the details at this time are sketchy into his death, one thing for sure is that it has left a lot of baseball people in a state of shock that such a  gentleman is now gone.

“The Chicago Cubs are very saddened today to learn of Geremi Gonzalez sudden passing,” said Cubs general manager Jim Hendry.” 

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