Baseball world mourns Ventura, Marte

Ortiz on Ventura and Marte 1:46

David Ortiz joins MLB Network to discuss the tragic deaths of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte

The baseball world mourned the unexpected deaths of Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura and third baseman Andy Marte on Sunday.

Ventura, 25, died in a car crash in the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Marte, 33, also died in a separate car crash Sunday in the Dominican Republic.

"Today is a very sad day for our entire game and particularly for the many loyal fans in the Dominican Republic, the home of both Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte," said Commissioner Rob Manfred. "Yordano was a key figure in the Royals' recent success. His electric talent on the mound helped lead the Royals to two American League pennants and the 2015 world championship.

"Andy was a respected member of six organizations who played seven Major League seasons, including for the Cleveland Indians from 2006-10. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, teammates, friends and fans of both players."

Yordano Ventura, 1991-2017
Andy Marte, 1983-2017

• Royals pitcher Ventura dies in car crash in DR
• Posnanski: Ventura's growth was miraculous to see
• Former MLB infielder Marte dies at 33
• Commissioner Manfred's statement on Ventura, Marte
• Baseball world mourns Ventura, Marte
• Castrovince: Ventura, Marte leave us way too soon
• Ventura, Marte mourned on social media
• Sanchez reflects on Ventura's life
• Royals' Moore on Ventura
• Justice on Marte's passing
• Ventura's career stats
• Marte's career stats

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Andy Marte and Yordano Ventura," Major League Baseball Players' Association executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. "It's never easy to lose a member of our fraternity, and there are no words to describe the feeling of losing two young men in the prime of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, teammates and fans throughout the United States and Latin America."

Ventura, who signed with the Royals as an amateur free agent in 2008, went 11-12 with a 4.45 ERA last season.

"We have suffered an indescribable loss today," Ventura's representatives at ISE Baseball said in a statement. "Our hearts and souls are broken with the passing of Yordano Ventura. Yordano's heart and passion for the game of baseball and for life had no equal. Today we lost a teammate, who never backed down; a friend, who never let you down; and a brother, who always made you smile. Rest in peace."

• Castrovince: Ventura, Marte leave us way too soon

Ventura passes away

Ventura tragically passes away in car accident

MLB.com's Richard Justice talks about the unexpected passing of Yordano Ventura and his impact on the Royals

"Our prayers right now are with Yordano's family as we mourn this young man's passing," said Royals general manager Dayton Moore, who said he learned of Marte's death early Sunday morning. When he subsequently received the call notifying him of Ventura's passing, Moore thought it had to be a mixup. "[Ventura] was so young and so talented, full of youthful exuberance and always brought a smile to everyone he interacted with. We will get through this as an organization, but right now is a time to mourn and celebrate the life of Yordano."

Ventura burst on the scene in 2014 in Kansas City, emerging as an American League Rookie of the Year candidate after going 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA. Marte, who signed with the Braves in 2000 as an international free agent, was ranked No. 9 on MLB.com's '05 Top 50 Prospects list. He last played in MLB in '14 with Arizona.

Justice on Andy Marte's passing

Justice discusses Andy Marte's tragic passing

MLB.com's Richard Justice talks about the sudden passing of former big leaguer Andy Marte, and what he meant to the game and teammates

"Words can't express the emotions from the loss of our client Andy Marte. Gone too soon. A great person on and off the field," Marte's agency, J.M.G. baseball, said on Twitter.

There was an outpouring of grief across baseball.

ACE I love you my brother. I'm in disbelief and don't know what to say. I love you ACE ���� @��� https://t.co/ky3lw2eSoh

— Eric Hosmer (@TheRealHos35) January 22, 2017

I love you Ace. I don't know what to say other then I'm going to miss you a lot. RIP ACE.

— Mike Moustakas (@Mooose_8) January 22, 2017

We were brothers who shared two passions: baseball and the Dominican Republic. Rest In Peace Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. pic.twitter.com/a0Fpark47K

— Robinson Cano (@RobinsonCano) January 22, 2017

Tragedy has no bias, people. Please, please be safe out there. Condolences to the Ventura family. #RIP Yordano, loved watching you throw ����

— Chris Archer (@ChrisArcher22) January 22, 2017

My thoughts are with @YordanoVentura family and the @Royals today. A very talented teammate and gone way to soon. RIP

— Billy Butler (@BillRayButler) January 22, 2017

The game unfortunately lost another good, electric, young arm. Thoughts & prayers with Yordano's family and the @Royals organization. @MLB

— Johnny Bench (@Johnny_Bench5) January 22, 2017

In total disbelief. My thoughts and prayers to their families. We are all in mourning. Di��s lo��� https://t.co/brKCcw186c

— Carlos Gomez (@RealCarlosGomez) January 22, 2017

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte. Another sad day for the game of baseball ������#GoneTooSoon

— Shane Victorino (@ShaneVictorino) January 22, 2017

Deeply saddened and shocked by Yordano Ventura's & Andy Marte's passings. Sending out my thoughts and prayers.

— Russell Martin (@russellmartin55) January 22, 2017

Jesse Sanchez has been a reporter for MLB.com since 2001. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.