Rip ace🔥❤️ @YordanoVentura
The tributes are pouring into social media after the death of Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura.
Ventura died in a car accident on Sunday, January 22, in the Dominican Republic, where he was from. The righthander known for his powerful pitches was only 25-years-old.
Royal Christian Colon wrote a heartwrenching tribute on social media that started, “How can I even begin to explain how much I cared about you? You were like a little brother to me.”
Ventura’s last tweet was about spring training being only a month away. He shared this Instagram post:
The general manager of the Royals, Dayton Moore, gave out this statement after news of Ventura’s death broke:
Our prayers right now are with Yordano’s family as we mourn this young man’s passing. He 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 was known for his 100 mph fastball and was nicknamed Ace Ventura, reported Yahoo Sports. Retired player Andy Marte was also killed in a separate and unrelated car crash in the Dominican Republic. Some of the tributes mention both players.
R.I.P. Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte what a sad day for Baseball
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPkv5OvATLK/
The Royals said in the statement that Ventura had spent his entire professional baseball career with the Royals organization. He pitched in two World Series games. His career record was 38-31. You can read the full statement from the team here:
Official statement from the Kansas City Royals organization.
Here’s some of the other reaction to Ventura’s untimely death.
My thoughts are with @YordanoVentura family and the @Royals today. A very talented teammate and gone way to soon. RIP
In honor of Yordano Ventura there will be a Royals spirit day tomorrow. Please spread the word and wear your blue ⚾️💙
We are devastated by the tragic news that Yordano Ventura, 25, has died in an automobile accident. t.co/RXibkDJMHZ
Simply tragic news. Thoughts and prayers go out for Yordano’s and Marte’s families, Royals fans, and the entire baseball community.
A very sad day in baseball. My condolences to both of the families! #ripventura #ripmarte
El trío Dominicano.
The Dominican trio.
My heart goes out to the family & friends of #RIPAndyMarte #RIPYordanoVentura …Sad day for the baseball community. They’ll be missed. #RIP
What terrible news this morning! RIP Yordano. This kid was so talented and was only scratching the surface. Condolences to his family.
We are saddened to learn about the passing of Yordano Ventura. Our thoughts today are with his family, friends and the Royals organization.
We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte at this this most difficult time.
RIP Andy Marte too. Played against him coming up in the minors. Horrible news to wake up to.
RIPAce. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 My condolences to his family in the DR and his family here in the Royals organization. I can’t believe this.