After spending the last three seasons as the Rays’ bullpen catcher, Jean Ramirez has died at the age of 28. The club announced his death on Tuesday evening. No cause of death is currently available.
“We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Jean’s family,” Rays president Erik Neander said in a statement. “He was a caring teammate and friend. He exuded so much joy in all he did, and his kind heart was truly a gift to all. As we process this unexpected and difficult loss, we are grateful for the times we shared with Jean.”
“Jean was an incredible teammate and friend,” Rays manager Jack Cash said in a statement. “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. He had the biggest heart and most infectious smile. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Jean will be deeply missed.”
The Rays baseball family mourns the loss of bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez pic.twitter.com/CSasYv7Aqm
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) January 11, 2022
Ramirez was born in Puerto Rico and then went to high school in Fort Worth, Texas (Boswell HS). He started out in college ball with the University of Arkansas but ended up graduating from Illinois State. After his career at ISU, he was drafted in the 28th round by the Rays.
In Rookie Ball and Low-A, Ramirez didn’t find much success at the plate, but he was impressive enough behind the plate — notably, unsurprisingly, in working with pitchers in the bullpen — that he rose the ranks as a bullpen catcher. He spent the last three seasons with the Rays in that role, which is technically an assistant coaching role.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” said Rays Vice President of Player Development Ben
