Jesus Montero, former Yankees and Mariners slugger, dies at 35 after a motorcycle crash

"The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League reported Montero's passing on social media, referring to the power-hitting catcher, designated hitter and first baseman as someone with "a powerful bat, an unforgettable presence, a heart that loved this game." "Thank you for every at-bat, every home run, every day you proudly defended our colors," the league wrote in Spanish on Instagram. "Rest in peace, Jess. Your legacy lives on in every fan who ever celebrated with you.""

"Born in Guacara, Venezuela, Montero was 16 when he was signed by the Yankees as an international free agent in 2006. He worked his way through the minor leagues, twice appearing in the All-Star Futures game, and made his MLB debut late in the 2011 season. In 61 at-bats over 18 games that September, Montero had a batting average of .328 and OPS of .996 with four home runs and 12 RBIs."

Jesús Montero died at 35 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash in Venezuela after being hospitalized in critical condition following an Oct. 4 collision with a truck. Montero played five major league seasons, one with the New York Yankees and four with the Seattle Mariners, and spent six seasons in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Signed at 16 by the Yankees in 2006, he rose through the minors, twice appeared in the All-Star Futures Game and debuted in MLB in late 2011, hitting .328 with an OPS of .996 in 18 games. His career was marred by drug suspensions. Teams and the Venezuelan league mourned his passing.

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