Tampa Bay Rays Catcher Jean Ramirez Dies Suddenly at 28

Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Joyce (R) scores in front of Miami Marlins catcher Jacob Realmuto on an RBI single by Jerry Sands during the sixth inning of an interleague baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla., on June 5, 2014. Chris O'Meara/AP Photo

Jean Ramirez, bullpen catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, died on Monday at the age of 28, his team confirmed.

“The Rays baseball family mourns the loss of bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez,” the Tampa Bay Rays said in a tribute to the sportsman on social media.

Ramirez, a native of Puerto Rico, played three years in Tampa Bay’s minor-league system before joining the big-league staff, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Baseball operations president Erik Neander said in a statement posted on the team’s Twitter account on Tuesday afternoon that Ramirez’s death was an “unexpected and difficult loss.” 

No further details were released by the Tampa Bay Rays on the circumstances of his death.

Rays manager Kevin Cash remembered Ramirez as “an incredible teammate and friend.”

“He brought so much passion and energy each day to our clubhouse and bullpen, and his love for the Rays and baseball was evident to all who interacted with him,” said Cash. “He had the biggest  heart and most infectious smile. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Jean will be deeply missed.”

Ramirez was “a caring teammate and friend,” said Neander. “He exuded so much joy in all he did, and his kind heart was truly a gift to all.”

He added, “As we process this unexpected and difficult loss, we are grateful for the times we shared with Jean.”

Ramirez spent three seasons in Tampa Bay’s Minor League system after he was selected by the team in the 28th round of the 2016 Draft. He was later released as a player, before quickly returning to the club in 2019 to play on the Ray’s Major League staff.

Ramirez went to high school and lived in the Fort Worth, Texas, area—where he died on Monday. He went to college in Arkansas before transferring to Illinois State.

In an interview with The Athletic in 2019, Ramirez said he dreamed of one day becoming a manager, bench coach, or coordinator with a Major League team.

Rays reliever Colin Poche, a former college teammate, remembered Ramirez in a touching tribute.

“RIP to Jean and prayers with his family,” Poche wrote on Twitter. “From being teammates at Arkansas and again with the Rays, I can’t say enough good words about Jean and the kindness he showed to other people. He was such a great friend and his presence will truly be missed #RIP.”

The Epoch Times has reached out to the Tampa Bay Rays for additional comment.