Terrible news in the world of baseball was reported late last night via the Seattle Mariners on Twitter.
It is with sadness we share that minor leaguer Victor Sanchez has passed away. Our deepest condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/DWidXIrCDG
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 29, 2015
Grading on the Curve first reported the story on February 16th when Seattle Mariners’ once-top pitching prospect Victor Sanchez was struck in the head in a vicious boating accident in his home of Venezuela.
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While simply swimming in the waters off the coast, Sanchez was struck by a boat. He suffered from a double skull fracture and a brain hematoma. Surgery immediately ensued and the weeks since the accident, Sanchez has been in a coma. He remained in critcial condition until the very end, with the outlook unfortunately never improving.
This tragedy has obviously struck a chord with the Mariners’ young prospects who have played alongside Sanchez. 26-year old Mariners’ Minor League pitcher
Logan Bawcomtweeted out:
Taijuan Walker, now in the Mariners’ rotation added:
Prayers for Victor Sanchez family and friends. Was a real good player and a great friend. Going to be missed #RIP
— Taijuan Walker (@tai_walker) March 29, 2015
The Mariners’ top offensive prospect D.J. Peterson tweeted:
My prayers go out to the family of victor Sanchez I will always remember you! R.I.P. Big man
— D.J. Peterson (@DJPeterson) March 29, 2015
Finally, fellow Venezuelan and the Mariners’ ace Felix Hernandez:
Mis mas sentidas condolencias para la familia Sánchez
— Felix Hernandez (@RealKingFelix) March 29, 2015
Que mi Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria y a… https://t.co/DoLeupSv0H
Sanchez’s three year professional career was not short of highlights. He was the third-rated Mariners’ pitching prospect after last season. Sanchez threw a nine inning no-hitter in his second season for the Class A Clinton LumberKings and tallied two Pitcher of the Weeks Awards, one in each of the past two seasons. His final stats were impressive at 19-14 with a 3.43 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP while striking out 245 batters.
This news is devastating to not just the Seattle Mariners’ family, but the baseball world. Our thoughts from the entire Grading on the Curve staff go out to Sanchez’s family. Sanchez was just 20-years old. Another case of a young man gone from this world too soon.
RIP, Victor.
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