Former Major League infielder Ryan Freel dead at 36

[Petty]

Former Major League Baseball utility infielder Ryan Freel has died at the age of 36.


Freel's death was first reported Saturday by First Coast News in Freel's hometown, Jacksonville, Fla. There has been no official confirmation of the cause of Freel's death.

Freel spent most of his eight-year MLB career from 2001 to 2009 with the Cincinnati Reds, for whom he played six seasons. He made his Major League debut with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001.

His career batting average was .268. He also stole 143 bases.

Freel retired from pro ball in 2009 and had most recently worked for BLD Baseball, which stands for Big League Development, an organization that helps develop young players. Freel was also named head baseball coach at St. Joseph Academy in Jacksonville earlier this year in June.

http://www.wlwt.com/news/sports/Former-Major-League-infielder-Ryan-Freel-dead-at-36/-/9837968/17879306/-/bh7u2jz/-/index.html


Very sad. Former Cincinnati Reds player. Seems this is becoming a trend that needs to end.