This past Sunday, the Major League’s and the world of baseball lost two more stars. Kansas City Royals right-handed pitcher, Yordano Ventura, and former third baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Andy Marte, both passed away in separate car accidents.
According to sources, there was no alcohol or drugs involved. Ventura was ejected from his car, as he was not secured by a seat belt. After being ejected from the car, Ventura was allegedly robbed by a man in his hometown Dominican Republic and then left to die in the street. Ventura, over the course of four seasons in the majors, pitched a record of 38-31, held a 3.89 ERA, pitched over 500 innings, and struck out 470 batters.
Andy Marte was driving in his hometown in the Dominican Republic as well. His car had veered off of the road and crashed into the side of a home. Marte was currently playing in the Dominican Winter League. Ranked in Baseball America’s top ten prospects prior to the 2005 season, many knew Marte had potential as a big leaguer. Although he didn’t reach his full potential in the big league’s, Marte hit .218 in 308 career games.
On Tuesday, a funeral was held for Ventura. Family, friends, fans, and the world of baseball are mourning the loss of both of these stars. Ventura was laid to rest in the beautiful Dominican Republic early Tuesday morning. Royals fans in Kansas City, Missouri also gathered at Kauffman Stadium to remember their young star who had given such a promising future to the franchise.
Andy Marte has not had his funeral yet, but the world of baseball still mourns his loss. He played for three different professional organizations including the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both of these young stars will forever be remembered.
This past year alone has been tough for the baseball world.  The league has lost four promising young men. Oscar Taveras of the St. Louis Cardinals, Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins, Yordano Ventura of the Kansas City Royals, and Andy Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks.