Rays Bullpen Catcher Unexpectedly Dies

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Tampa Bay Rays are mourning the loss of bullpen catcher, Jean Ramirez, after he died unexpectedly Monday, a Rays Tweet said Tuesday.

The 28-year-old's cause of death has not been released by the team. Ramirez joined the Rays' major league staff in 2019, Rays Baseball reported. He was well-liked by players and coaching staff.

"Jean was an incredible teammate and friend," Kevin Cash, Rays manager, said in an online 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."

Ramirez attended high school in Fort Worth, Texas, after he moved with family from Puerto Rico, multiple outlets reported. He played college baseball at his alma mater, Illinois State University (ISU). Prior to playing at ISU, he played for University of Arkansas and Grayson County College.

His dream was to become a manager, bench coach or Major League Baseball team coordinator, according to a 2019 interview he had with The Athletic. His father, Carlos, has been a coach for many years. He is currently an assistant with Hawaii Pacific University.