Member Of 2003 Red Sox Reportedly Takes Own Life

BOSTON — Jeremy Giambi, a former Red Sox player who split time with David Ortiz before Big Papi took off in the memorable 2003 season, died Wednesday at his parents' home in Southern California, according to a statement from his agent. Giambi was 47.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Giambi is thought to have committed suicide.

Giambi played six seasons in Major League Baseball, finishing his career in 2003 with Boston. He was traded to the Red Sox in December 2002, one month before the Sox acquired Ortiz. The two would split time at designated hitter until it was clear Ortiz was emerging as an everyday bat. Giambi was released after the season, having played his last game at 28 years old.

"We mourn the loss of Jeremy Giambi, who spent six seasons in the major leagues, including 2003 with the Red Sox," the team said. "We send our heartfelt condolences to the Giambi family.

Giambi was best known for his time in Oakland, where he was part of the 2001 Oakland A's "Moneyball" team, featuring prominently in the book and movie. In 2000, he was tagged out at the plate on one of the most memorable plays in postseason history in which Derek Jeter flipped the ball to home plate just in time to get Giambi, who didn't slide.

The left-handed hitter played with his older brother, Jason, in Oakland. Jason Giambi won the American League MVP in 2000 and went on to sign a massive contract with the New York Yankees during the heart of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.

Jeremy Giambi was a capable hitter in his own right, hitting .263 with a .377 on-base percentage, 52 home runs and 209 RBIs in his six years with Kansas City, Oakland, Philadelphia and Boston.