The Tampa Bay Rays reported that bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez died unexpectedly this week. He was 28 years old.
The team made the announcement on Twitter Tuesday, and President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander described the former minor league player as a “loving teammate and friend” who “exuded so much joy in everything he did.”
Tampa Ray did not release details of the death, which it said occurred Monday.
“As we process this unexpected and difficult loss, we are grateful for the moments we share with Jean,” Neander said.
Ramirez, a native of Puerto Rico who attended high school in Fort Worth, Texas, was selected in the 28th round of the Illinois State draft in 2016. He played three years in the Tampa Bay minor league system before starting a season of three seasons as a bullpen catcher with the Major League Baseball team in 2019.
“We extend our condolences to Jean’s family,” Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said in a statement. “He was a loving partner and friend. He overflowed with joy in everything he did, and his kind heart was a gift to all. As we process this difficult and unexpected loss, we appreciate the time we shared with Jean. “
The team did not elaborate on the death of Ramírez, who was popular with the players, instructors and team personnel.
The 2021 season was Ramirez’s third as a Tampa Bay bullpen catcher. In 2019, the Puerto Rican told The Athletic that he hopes to eventually become a manager, bench coach or coordinator with a major league team. In that way, he aspired to follow in the footsteps of his father, Carlos, a longtime instructor who is now an assistant at Hawaii Pacific University.
Ramirez attended high school in the Fort Worth Texas area and played college baseball at the University of Arkansas, Grayson County College and Illinois State University, graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree.
“He brought so much passion and energy every day to our clubhouse and bullpen, and his love for the Rays and baseball was evident to everyone who interacted with him,” manager Kevin Cash said in a statement.
