Detroit Tigers first base coach Kimera Bartee died suddenly yesterday while visiting his Dad in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. No cause of death has been released. Bartee was 49.
Bartee had rejoined the Tigers organization this season after beginning his big league career as an outfielder for Detroit playing in parts of four seasons between 1996 and 1999. His best season was in his rookie year when he swiped 20 bases. Bartee also has the distinction of being the last Tiger to bat in Tiger Stadium.
After stints with the Cincinnati Reds in 2000 and the Colorado Rockies in 2001, Bartee would be traded to the Anaheim Angels for Chone Figgins who would earn a World Series ring with the Halos in 2002 while Bartee would never play in the majors again.
Bartee would transition to coaching spending time first with the Baltimore Orioles (the team which originally drafted him) before spending more than 15 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization eventually serving as Clint Hurdle's first base coach and outfield instructor between 2017 and 2019. During the COVID shortened 2020 season, Bartee joined the Philadelphia Phillies as the roving baserunning and bunting coordinator. He was initially hired by the Tigers last season for the same role before becoming first base coach mid-season on an interim basis. Bartee was promoted to this position full time after the season.
I cannot help but be struck by his death as Bartee was the same age I am and he died visiting his Dad. I will be visiting my Dad in a couple of days over the Christmas holiday. Needless to say, there will be no joy in the Bartee household this Christmas. He had no apparent health issues. But it just goes to show that nothing is guaranteed. It can all end at anytime. R.I.P.
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