Chito Martinez, the only Major League Baseball player from Belize, has died at 59, as announced by the Orioles. While the exact cause of death remains unconfirmed, sources report he suffered a heart attack and had experienced several hospitalizations in recent weeks. Born in 1965, Martinez moved with his family to New Orleans as a child, excelled at Brother Martin High School, and was drafted by the Royals. He debuted with the Orioles in 1991, had notable rookie stats, and is remembered fondly by family and the baseball community.
As a ballplayer myself growing up, I never had his talent but I always looked up to him. He taught me about life, about how to be a dad.
We mourn the passing of former Orioles outfielder Chito Martinez, the only native of Belize to play in the majors.
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