Two Ex-Houston Astros Players Killed In Venezuela Car Crash

CARACAS, VENEZUELA — Two former members of the Houston Astros were killed in a car crash in Venezuela on Dec. 6. Former Astros third baseman Luis Valbuena, 34, who was known for his bat flipping antics during the 2015 season, was killed along with former Houston Astros infielder Jose Castillo, 37, who last played for the Astros in 2008.

According to officials in Venezuela, the Castillo and Valbuena, who were teammates, had played a winter league game in Caracas, and were traveling with fellow teammate Carlos Rivero, and Rivero’s chauffeur, to Barquisimeto.

Officials said the chauffeur was trying to avoid a large rock in the roadway, lost control and crashed, killing Castillo and Valbuena.

Valbuena, who was considered a flamboyant force in the dugout, slugged 25 home runs in the 2015 season and, helped the Astros to their first postseason appearance in a decade.
Astros Manager A.J Hinch said in a statement that Valbuena’s contagious enthusiasm for the game would be missed.

“I will miss Luis’ banter, smile, genuine love for his teammates, and, of course, the bat flips,” Hinch said in a statement. “He was a beloved person whether he was on our team or across the field. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the lucky ones who could call him a teammate or friend.”

(For more news and information like this, subscribe to Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Image: Shutterstock

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com